| If you are trying to decide on whether a career | | | | graduate program has undergone in-depth |
| as an instructional designer is for you, there are a | | | | self-evaluation evaluation by peer institution and |
| few things to consider. First, remember that you | | | | peers, and accrediting bodies. Accreditation |
| have many options for schools that offer | | | | organizations have the task of performing |
| instructional design and instructional technology but | | | | evaluations so as to ensure that the programs |
| you must choose the right one for you depending | | | | are conforming to the established mission and |
| on what you want to do when you graduate. In | | | | goals, objectives and curricula, administrative and |
| most universities, the degree is available only at | | | | financial stipulations, as well as faculty and student |
| the graduate level, and programs offered may | | | | expectations. Also, if you ever have to join a new |
| include M.Ed, M.S., A.M., Ed.D., Ph.D, and Ed.D. | | | | program at a different university or to transfer |
| The second thing to consider it what instructional | | | | your credits, the new institution will determine |
| designers do and how that fits with yours | | | | whether your degree is credible, so it is best to |
| interests. Keep in mind that instructional | | | | ensure the institution you graduate from is |
| technologists develop content that is used by | | | | accredited. |
| trainers, other instructional designers, teachers, | | | | Instructional design programs offer different areas |
| instructors, etc, with the goal of improving or | | | | of specialization to prepare their students. |
| enhancing instructional outcomes and | | | | Instructional designers, instructional technologist, or |
| effectiveness. Instructional designers make | | | | e-learning specialists work in a variety of different |
| decisions on effectiveness of instructional | | | | settings in corporations, K-12 schools, universities, |
| methods, and instructional delivery for a stated | | | | government, the military, and non-governmental |
| set of learning outcomes. Therefore, this requires | | | | organizations (NGO's). |
| one to have good knowledge of learning | | | | If possible, visit the schools you want to enroll in |
| psychology, learner analysis, and instructional | | | | and talk to the faculty and students in the |
| media selection. | | | | program. Ask questions about employment and |
| As a prospective student, you should consider | | | | internships as well as the kinds of courses you will |
| several factors when choosing between different | | | | be required to take.This will help you select the |
| programs. For instance, think about your future | | | | program that best meets your goals. Also take |
| career plans and goals, your interest and | | | | time to examine facilities such as classroom, |
| expertise in the specialization, geographic mobility, | | | | computer and library resources. |
| distance learning and online learning opportunities, | | | | An academic advisor will generally be assigned to |
| as well as financial cost. | | | | work with you in developing your program of |
| Another thing to consider when conducting your | | | | study. Different programs have different course |
| research is how the program my be titled in the | | | | requirements and some departments may offer |
| catalog. Common program names are Educational | | | | specialized tracks and courses that encourage |
| Technology, Computer Education, Instructional | | | | specialization in different areas in instructional |
| Technology, Instructional Design and Development, | | | | design. This all depends on the structure and |
| Instructional Systems Technology, Instructional | | | | makeup of the program and options for electives. |
| Design, Learning Technologies, Instructional Design | | | | The field of instructional design is developing quite |
| and Technology, Instructional and Performance | | | | rapidly and is ideal for those who enjoy working |
| Technology, and Instructional Design, Development | | | | with learners, training, developing instructional |
| and Evaluation. It is quite useful to now this as it | | | | content and multimedia. The instructional |
| generally is a good indicator of the coursework | | | | technology profession has a good base in |
| that you will be engaged in during the program. | | | | educational psychology, instructional media, and |
| Another important issue to consider is whether | | | | computing. The field continues to expand as more |
| the university you are contemplating is one that | | | | organizations adopt e-learning, performance |
| has accreditation. Being accredited means that the | | | | improvement, and other instructional methods. |