I used to think instructional design and development was simply looking at what the instructor has provided for the course and taking that information and laying it out in a logical order that students can follow and understand. Looking at my previous experience in the field, I can understand why this was my perception. That is exactly the type of projects I have been given at work. So many times, I have wondered if I could make suggestions to the content, but that was not the scope of my projects.

Now I think that instructional design and development goes deeper. You must look at many different aspects including learning theory, learner characteristics, ARCS model of motivation (I impressed my boss with this one because they had not heard of it), course mapping, and media and technology choice just to name a few. I find it very interesting that my institution does not require a master’s degree that relates to instructional design to be an instructional designer. This course alone has shown me there is so much more to designing a course than simply putting content in an LMS. I now feel better prepared to design courses that students will enjoy, learn the content, and instructors will be proud to teach.