How to Become a Learning Designer
What does a Learning Designer do?
Learning Designers identify learning needs and develop training solutions to meet the desired outcomes. They draw on instructional design principles and their knowledge of how people learn to inform the learning strategies and the overall sequence of content and experiences. Their role is to ensure that learning is effective, engaging and efficient.
Firstly, Learning Designers complete a Learning Needs Analysis (LNA) to determine learning needs. From this, they design a learning solution to achieve articulated learning outcomes.
Learning materials are then designed and developed. Learning Designers make decisions based on adult learning principles to ensure that the program reflects best practice.
Once the program has been piloted, Learning Designers then review the data from the pre- and post- evaluation tools to determine to what extent the program ‘hits the mark’ and to identify areas for improvement.
What Learning Designers need to know
An instructional design model – process to follow – such as the ADDIE Model is the key to success. This ensures that you follow a robust process and ask the right questions along the way.
You need to know how to:
- Identify learning needs
- Select the most appropriate learning solution for the learning need
- Design for effective learning, by referring to adult learning principles, principles of instructional design and tailoring to your audience
- Create engaging and impactful learning experiences
- Develop learning materials. These will vary developing on the learning solution, but may include:
-
- Facilitator Guide
- Participant Workbook
- Assessment
- PowerPoint
- Quick Reference Guide (QRG)/Job Aids
- Handouts
- Embedding Activities
- Leader Guide
- eLearning
- Select a method and data collection tools that will be used to evaluate the program
- Review findings from the evaluation and identify areas for improvements
Other skills include:
- Creativity – design unique, stimulating learning experiences
- Computer skills – especially Word, PowerPoint and eLearning authoring tools
- Communication skills – interview and stakeholder management skills to identify learning needs and gain valuable information, ability to convey ideas, run train the trainer workshops with facilitators to ensure that they understand the program and how learning materials support the acquisition and transfer of knowledge/skills
- Project management – develop project plan, meet deadlines, manage multiple stakeholders
- Understanding of the subject matter – this isn’t always critical if you have Subject Matter Experts (SME) readily available and/or are provided with key content from the client. The Learning Designer’s role is to design the learning, not necessarily to develop the content, however many Learning Designers take on both roles.
Specialised skills include:
- Accredited courses:
- Developing materials that comply with AQF requirements
- Development of accredited assessments
- Development of a Training and Assessment Strategy (TAS)
- Mapping
- eLearning/online learning:
- Design and development using authoring tools
- Develop eLearning that is accessible for people with disabilities (including blindness and deafness) by ensuring that it is compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0
- Video development
- Infographic design
How to become a Learning Designer
Unlike other industries, you do not require a specific degree or qualification to become a Learning Designer. You do, however, need a strong understanding of instructional design principles and learning theories to design for effective and efficient learning.
There is a range of options you may choose to develop the knowledge and skill required of a Learning Designer. You may complete accredited training, attend a face-to-face course, or complete an online program.
Instructional Design Australia (IDA) offers self-paced online courses where you will learn how to be an exceptional learning designer. These courses are flexible – you can work your way through the course in your own time, at your own pace. The courses are responsive to mobiles, tablets and desktops, allowing you access from wherever you may be. What sets these courses above your average online learning program? They are application-based, meaning that you will apply your learning throughout the course to create your very own learning program. The Instructional Design PLUS Course includes three 90-minute one-on-one coaching sessions where you will learn from one of IDA’s experienced Learning Designers. Your dedicated coach will review the work you develop throughout the course and provide constructive feedback to ensure that you get the most out of the program. By the end of the course, you will feel confident and capable in your abilities as a Learning Designer, and you will have an example program developed – plus an Instructional Design Certificate to prove it!
Learn more
Select the links below to learn more.
Contact Us
To learn more about how to become a Learning Designer contact Instructional Designers Australia (IDA).
Contact Details
Office
E: info@discoverlearning.com.au
Ph: 1300 528 736
Michael Peart
E: michael@discoverlearning.com.au
Ph: 0434 075 231
Bianca Schimizzi
E: bianca@discoverlearning.com.au
Ph: 0416 013 623