Recently I read a blog from Ellen Wagner (Read Ellen's Post) which speaks about the field of Instructional Design and how those of us in the field (or working on becoming part of that field) cannot define our craft in today's society. When asked to select out business or career on questionaires there is no option for Instructional Design yet this is a vital role in just about every business and school environment - I find this interesting.
I remember back when I started working with computers before there were PCs and MACs and remember the same issue when trying to explain what I do - there were no options then as well. So once again I am on the forfront of a career choice that no one knows exists or if they do they cannot really explain it.
Well let me help to explain to the best of my abilities since I am not actually in this role as yet (still working on my degree). Instructional Designers create learning plans and resourses to help people develop the skills needed in a particular subject.
Ok so that sounds vague and it it vague because ID encompasses so many areas that it is difficult to pinpoint. Let's break it down - "Learning Plans" should be self explanitory; resourses not so clear. When I speak to resourses it could me a technological solution or it could simply be a user manual, a deck of cards, a slide show - it does not necessarily mean a big technological show. ID is not just technology! Granted in today's day and age it usually involves technology but the point is it does not have to include it. A design could just be creating a desk of flash cards for self-study, the point is that the ID professional will study the situation where help is needed and devise what they feel is the best solution for learning.
Let me end with a quote from Ellen Wagner's blog on what ID professionals do, "Enabling learning through the design of solutions that empower individuals and organizations." Read Ellen's Post
