Learning & Instructional Design
Design impactful learning experiences using research-based knowledge of how people learn , design processes and utilizing media & tech to enhance these teaching and learning environments.
Design for settings such as P/K-12 schools, colleges/ universities , non-profits, international organizations, workplace settings, musuems, informal learning, E-learning, etc. in roles such as Instructional designer, curriculum designer, teacher/educator, workplace training/ learning & development course design, teacher professional development, etc.
Included in this field are jobs such as:
instructional designer in a college/university setting
e-learning designer for online learning producer
director or learning designer within workplace settings
educational technology coordinator for schools and school districts
educator in multiple environments
What Will You Be Doing?
Job titles and descriptions vary, however most positions include one or more of the following tasks:
“While my title is ‘Instructional Designer’, my actual duties vary from day-to-day.”
--- Inst. Design Report, 2016 full report
Areas of Focus Within the Field
Job titles
instructional designer / learning designer / instructional technologist /e-learning designer / technology coordinator / education technology specialist / learning strategist / learning and design specialist / learning experience designer/ teacher/ educator/ learning and development specialist/ trainer
Note: These are some, not all, of the areas included in this pathway; specific jobs may span multiple areas of focus
Job Description:
Instructional designers have knowledge of learning theory and design processes to design effective, efficient and engaging learning environments. They apply these theories by looking for gaps in knowledge and come up with ways to fill them, whether through games, tutorials, or articles. Instructional designers collaborate with subject-experts to develop curriculum and test learning to make sure students are ready for the next challenge. Since instructional designers are experts in both technology and education, it’s important for them to stay up-to-date on changes in both fields.
Roles:
Instructional designers work for school districts, universities, and companies that need to train consumers or employees how to use a tool or product. They focus on what the instruction should be like, including look, feel, organization and functionality. Instructional designers' work is often a mix of independent and team-based projects, therefore, they need to be strong communicators who are comfortable working with others, as well as self-motivators who can tackle a project on their own.
Alums:
Jillian Halpern, Instructional Designer at NYU Langone Health (see LinkedIn profile)
Kelsey Buttendorf , Senior Instructional Designer, Director of Academic Technology, Steinhardt, (see LinkedIn profile)
Trent Hoy, Educational Technologist at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, (see LinkedIn Profile)
Internships:
* Note this is a sample only. Internship availability varies from semester to semester.
Higher Ed
NYU Institute for Innovation in Medicine
NYU Teaching and Learning with Technology (IT)
K-12 (Schools and Teacher Prof Development)
Quest2Learn (NYC Middle School)
Project Recess (K-12 Professional Development)
Room to Discover (K-12 Professional Development)
Job Description:
An educational technology specialist (ETS) provide support and aid with the implementation, and selection of technologies that improve the learning process (sometimes also design and development- see Product Design Pathway). This includes computer hardware and software, developing e-Learning courses and projects, creating instruction videos, and sometimes setting up Learning Management Systems (LMS). ETS also identify problems and deficiencies in programs being used and use that information to improve upon them.
Roles:
ETS primarily work in elementary, middle, and secondary schools and play a key role in identifying appropriate educational technology for all types of classroom applications. Sometimes also in higher education on Instructional Design teams. ETS assist school administrators in identifying and correcting problems and deficiencies within current technology-based programs. They frequently train teachers and others on using hardware and software in the learning process. An important aspect of an ETS's job in a school setting is to foster both appreciation and understanding of how technology can impact learning and each student’s future.
Alums:
Kira Kingren, Ed Tech Coordinator, 11 yrs, Assist Principal (see LinkedIn Profile)
Lauren Lutz, Educational Technology teacher (see LinkedIn Profile)
Internships:
* Note this is a sample only. Internship availability varies from semester to semester.
Quest2Learn, Fieldstone School of Ethical Studies, more
Additional Certifications:
Job Description:
Learning and Development (L&D) specialists have knowledge in instructional design theory and learning theory. They help create, administer, and deliver training programs for businesses and organizations. To do this, they must first assess the needs of an organization, and then develop custom training programs that take place in the organization or training facilities.
Roles:
L&D specialists work for organizations and companies. They assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, or consultations with managers or instructors. L&D specialists assess training materials from a variety of sources and choose appropriate materials for the company's needs. Once materials are created the L&D specialist may deliver training and then evaluate the effectiveness of the training programs. Other related duties include monitoring instructors, guide employees through media-based programs, or facilitating informal or collaborative learning programs.
Alums:
Manisha Sachdev, Learning Specialist at EisnerAmper (see LinkedIn Profile)
Internships:
* Note this is a sample only. Internship availability varies from semester to semester.
Arup University (workplace training)
Job Description:
eLearning designers are responsible for creating and implementing instruction in an online or blended modality. Sometimes referred to simply as instructional designers, they work to develop dynamic environments that engage learners through a variety of media, including images, words, videos, and animations. Given these responsibilities, eLearning designers must have a strong background in the science of learning, instructional design models and design thinking, have multimedia training and project management skills, and understand learning analytics.
Roles:
Duties of an e-learning designer include evaluating the effectiveness of curricula, analyzing learner data, and recommending changes in course materials. eLearning designers work in a variety of settings including K-12 schools, colleges and universities, the government, nonprofits, or for corporations. eLearning designers are tasked with designing and facilitating instruction that draws on the latest research in the science and art of eLearning.
Alums:
Lexie Bryan, Learning Experience Designer (see LinkedIn Profile)
Internships:
* Note this is a sample only. Internship availability varies from semester to semester.
Which Courses Should I Take?
ECT Elective Courses (sample selection)
EDCT-GE 2018 Integrating Ed Tech in Teaching & Learning (k-12)
EDCT-GE 2031 Educational Technology in a Global Context
EDCT 2076 Tech Studio: Digital Skills for Learning Designers
EDCT-GE 2251 Introduction to Coding for Learning Designers
EDCT-GE 2040 Social Media in Learning Environments (SMILES)
ECT Transformative Learning Design (specialization)
In this highly relevant specialization for those wanting to become Learning or Instructional Designers, you’ll learn about emerging technologies and innovative learning activities and approaches. You will build on emerging trends afforded by new media and technologies (AR/VR, AI, social media, etc) and the latest findings in learning sciences and learning experience design to design engaging online experiences for K–12, higher education, and adult learning environments, both in formal and informal settings.
Sample Courses outside of ECT
* Check ALBERT for availability and with department for more info and permissions
EDLED-GE 2367 Demographic Analysis School/Community Planning (Steinhardt)
Develops understanding and skills in the analysis & interpretation of demographic data using U.S. census, regional, & local data sets. Uses forecasting & strategic analysis methods as a basis for long-range planning of school facilities, programs, & client needs. Includes the use of computer-based methodologies, geographic information systems, & community asset mapping to formulate processes that connect schools with a wide array of higher education & community resources, including social service & health providers.
MCC-GE 2285 Integrating Media Educ in School, Comm and Work (Steinhardt)
Hands-on video production, media literacy program design, readings, and reflection on approaches and strategies educators can use to incorporate media education into their schools and community-based organizations.
How Can I Learn More?
Instructional Design in Higher Ed (Report)
2016, Intentional Futures
A report on the role, workflow, and experience of instructional designers
UX to LX: The Rise of Learner Experience Design
Edsurge, 2016
LX designers merge design-thinking principles with curriculum development and the application of emerging technologies to help faculty tailor content to student behaviors and preferences.
EdTechs and Instructional Designers—What's the Difference?
2018, Pat Reid, Educause Review
Both edtechs and instructional designers (IDs) work with computer systems and programs, yet their actual duties differ from traditional IT tasks. The resulting confusion over what edtechs and IDs do—and how the two roles differ—is rampant, not least in the sector that needs them most: higher education.
Instructional Design Career Panel (2021)
Career Pathways Panel: Learning & Instructional Design (Jan 11, 2021)
A guest speaker panel offered in conjunction with our J- term ECT “Professional Applications in Educational Media & Technology class” and hosted by Adjunct Professor Abby Adams (NYU DMDL alum)
-Rina Patel - Instructional Designer at Google
-Laura Bloch - Instructional Designer at Kenzie Academy
-Daniel Staten - Learning Experience Designer at Disney
-Megan Earnest - Museum Education Program Architect
-Will Wiess - Manager, Training & Documentation at Disney
Sample Learning Design Thesis Projects
Emily Nevitt, DMDL 2018
Know Your Globe
A best practices website designed to help study abroad educators construct meaningful and transformative learning experiences. (link to thesis archive)
Markella Ilia, G4L 2019
T.R.U.S.T.
Comic book with activities for refugee and Greek students in Greece to help them deal with acculturative stress.
Alumni corner
Spotlighted alums (Question & Answer)