DESIGNING INSTRUCTION

Building a Foundation of Theories

Introduction

What is instructional design and its meaning? The term instructional design refers to the systematic and reflective process of translating principles of learning and instruction into plans for instructional material, activities, information resources, and evaluation. In my own words, an instructional designer is someone who uses previously successful principles of instruction and learning for the planning of future instruction that allows for the development of knowledge consumption. After my assigned readings for this unit, I have moved on from the term “instructional designer” and prefer a new one, “Educational Engineer”. But in order to understand the importance of educational engineering, one must know the importance of their foundations in the field.

Building a Firm Foundation

Understanding the philosophical and theoretical bases of instructional design provides designers with a solid foundation in the principles and concepts that drive effective instructional practices. This knowledge helps guide design decisions and ensures that instructional strategies are based on sound educational theories. Instructional designers need to have an understanding of learning theories and educational philosophies for the creation of instruction that aligns with the needs of learners. By drawing upon these theories, designers can develop instructional materials and strategies that are more likely to guide deeper learning experiences and promote engagement and retention of knowledge. Educational theories and philosophies evolve over time as new research and insights emerge. Instructional designers who are knowledgeable about these foundations are better able to adapt their instructional approaches to reflect best practices and emerging trends in education. They can integrate new theories and philosophies into their designs to meet the changing needs of learners and address emerging challenges in the field. Being able to articulate and explain the philosophical and theoretical bases of instructional design allows designers to effectively communicate their design choices and rationale to stakeholders such as teachers, administrators, and subject matter experts (SME’s). It helps with fostering collaboration and ensuring that everyone involved in the design process shares a vision and goals. Knowledge of the philosophical and theoretical support of instructional design enables designers to critically reflect on their own practice, allowing them to evaluate the effectiveness of their designs, identify areas for improvement, and make informed adjustments based on evidence and research. This reflective practice helps instructional designers continuously refine their skills and stay current with advancements in the field.

Not Thought Changing, but Thought Evolving

After reviewing the readings from this week’s unit, I do not believe my thinking on education and designing instruction has changed, but evolved into finding ways to apply these philosophical and theoretical foundations into eLearning and online education. It is the technology that has changed the way knowledge and understanding of educational content is consumed, so using best practices based on these foundations allow us to design effective instruction through adaptation to promote higher learning. Then educators are able to reflect on these practices and redesign their teaching after collecting feedback. This process is continuous and ongoing, ever evolving.

Summary

In summary, a deep understanding of the philosophical foundations and theoretical bases of instructional design is crucial for instructional designers. It guides their design decisions, helps create effective instruction, enables adaptation to changing needs, enhances communication and collaboration, and promotes reflective practice. By grounding their work in these foundations, instructional designers can create meaningful and impactful learning experiences for learners.