Instructional Designer

Tasks

• Present and make recommendations regarding course design, technology, and instruction delivery options.

• Define instructional, learning, or performance objectives.

• Develop instructional materials and products for technology-based redesign of courses.

• Design learning products, including Web-based aids or electronic performance support systems.

• Provide analytical support for the design and development of training curricula, learning strategies, educational policies, or courseware standards.

• Interview subject-matter experts or conduct other research to develop instructional content.

• Design instructional aids for stand-alone or instructor-led classroom or online use.

• Conduct needs assessments and strategic learning assessments to develop the basis for curriculum development or to update curricula.

• Assess effectiveness and efficiency of instruction according to ease of instructional technology use and student learning, knowledge transfer, and satisfaction.

• Develop instructional materials, such as lesson plans, handouts, or examinations.

• Develop instruction or training roadmaps for online and blended learning programs.

• Develop measurement tools to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction or training interventions.

• Analyze performance data to determine effectiveness of instructional systems, courses, or instructional materials.

• Adapt instructional content or delivery methods for different levels or types of learners.

• Research and evaluate emerging instructional technologies or methods.

• Recommend instructional methods, such as individual or group instruction, self-study, lectures, demonstrations, simulation exercises, and role playing, appropriate for content and learner characteristics.

• Edit instructional materials, such as books, simulation exercises, lesson plans, instructor guides, and tests.

• Teach instructors to use instructional technology or to integrate technology with teaching.

• Recommend changes to curricula or delivery methods, based on information such as instructional effectiveness data, current or future performance requirements, feasibility, and costs.

• Provide technical advice on the use of current instructional technologies, including computer-based training, desktop videoconferencing, multimedia, and distance learning technologies.

• Observe and provide feedback on instructional techniques, presentation methods, or instructional aids.

• Develop master course documentation or manuals according to applicable accreditation, certification, or other requirements.

• Provide technical support to clients in the implementation of designed instruction or in task analyses and instructional systems design.

Skills

• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

• Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

• Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.

• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

• Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Management of Personnel Resources - Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Knowledge

• Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

• Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.