Resources for Learning Instructional Design Skills

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This is post #3 in a series about how to become an instructional designer. In particular, this post is about the instructional design skills needed to break into the field. Note that this post isn’t about technology skills and what software to learn; that’s in a separate post. This post is about free and low cost resources to gain a foundation of skills needed to start an instructional design career. Links to the rest of the series can be found at the end of this post.

I know many instructional designers were originally teachers or trainers who changed careers (just like I did). Many of the skills overlap between these fields, so it can be an easier transition than between many fields. However, just like every other field, instructional design has its own set of jargon and specialized knowledge. Even though many skills are transferable from teaching, you still have to put effort into learning skills specific to instructional design.

Resources for Learning Instructional Design Skills

What to learn about instructional design

First, get an overview of instructional design. The resources below are a good place to start.

Then, review the skills needed for instructional designers. Review job opening to see what employers expect. Check professional standards like the ATD Talent Development Capability Model and the IBSTPI Instructional Designer Competencies as benchmarks. Evaluate your current skills and identify what gaps you need to fill. If you’re learning on your own, seek out resources to address those specific gaps in your own knowledge and skills.

These skills are all useful if you’re looking for entry-level instructional design positions.

  • Instructional design models
  • Basics of learning science (how to use multimedia, create practice and assessment activities, provide feedback, engage learners, etc.)
  • Written communication (a LOT of the job is writing), especially writing for learning
  • Needs assessment
  • Learning objectives
  • Organizing and planning content
  • Storyboarding and script writing
  • Visual design principles
  • Working with SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) and other stakeholders
  • Project management basics
  • Accessibility

Instructional design basics and overviews

If you’re considering moving into instructional design, I think one of the best things to do is just to start reading about it. Fortunately, many free resources are available online.

Publications, webinars, and other free resources

Books about instructional design

I use affiliate links when I share books and some additional resources. It won’t cost you anything additional, but a small portion of the purchase price comes to me to help defray the cost of hosting my blog.

If you have a little budget, there are some great books available as well.

  • Saul Carliner’s Training Design Basics is a practical, comprehensive starting point. The intended audience is beginners in the field to who want to learn the process of designing workplace training from start to finish. It’s not flashy, just practical.
  • Julie Dirksen’s Design for How People Learn provides a very accessible view of research on the science of learning.
  • Cammy Bean’s The Accidental Instructional Designer is now updated for its second edition. This book is specifically geared for people who don’t have formal training in instructional design.
  • Clark and Mayer’s eLearning and the Science of Instruction is a solid overview of multimedia learning theory and the research on how to use graphics, audio, and other technology to support learning.
  • I compiled a list of 50+ Books for Instructional Designers if you are looking additional reading. That list is grouped by topic to help you find specific recommendations.

Other posts in this series

  1. What Does an Instructional Designer Do?
  2. Getting Into Instructional Design
  3. Resources for Learning Instructional Design Skills (current post)
  4. Technology Skills
  5. Professional Organizations and Career Options
  6. Is instructional design the right career?

Read all my posts about Instructional Design Careers here.

Read a Spanish translation of an earlier version of this post: Habilidades de diseño instruccional

Originally published 5/31/2007 with the title “Instructional Design Skills.” Updated 2/21/2019, 3/6/2022. Revised and republished with the current title 5/2/2023.



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