Instructional Design vs. Learning Design

Instructional Design vs. Learning Design

The term Instructional Design is often used as a catchall to explain a singular role in the process of teaching, content creation, and learning.? In the recent years, the term “learning design” has become more common, but what do these terms mean?? How are they the same, how do they differ from each other?? While instructional design and learning design are interconnected, they are also distinct and different approaches that guide the development of instructional materials and learning experiences. I hope to bring some general clarity to the difference between instructional design and learning design, highlighting their unique characteristics and contributions to the field of education. Let’s dig in.

Instructional design focuses on the systematic planning, development, and implementation of instructional materials to facilitate learning. It encompasses a range of processes, including needs analysis, goal identification, content organization, assessment design, and instructional delivery. Instructional designers employ various models, such as the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) model, to guide their work (Reiser & Dempsey, 2018).

Instructional design places emphasis on the alignment of learning objectives with instructional strategies, ensuring that learners acquire the intended knowledge and skills. It involves careful sequencing of content, selection of appropriate media and technologies, and consideration of learners' characteristics and needs. The goal of instructional design is to create learning experiences that follow an instructional process that also engage learners and promote meaningful understanding (Smith & Ragan, 2005).

Learning design, on the other hand, focuses on the broader process of designing learning experiences and environments, taking into account diverse factors that influence learning outcomes. It adopts a holistic approach (i.e. John Dewey), considering the learning context, learners' prior knowledge and experiences, and the social and cultural aspects of learning (i.e. Malcom Knowles). Learning designers work collaboratively with teachers, learners, and other stakeholders to create engaging and authentic learning environments (Laurillard, 2012).

Learning design goes beyond the development of instructional materials and encompasses pedagogical/andragogical approaches, instructional strategies, and the integration of technologies to support learning. It emphasizes learner-centeredness, active engagement, and the cultivation of higher-order thinking skills (i.e. Benjamin Bloom). Learning designers employ design thinking principles (i.e. Herbert Simon) to create innovative and adaptive learning experiences that cater to the needs and interests of diverse learners (Mor, Winters, & Thille, 2015).

While instructional design and learning design share common goals of promoting effective learning, several distinguishing factors set them apart:?

Instructional design:?

• primarily focuses on the design of instructional materials and activities, often following a linear and systematic process?
• places a strong emphasis on the alignment of learning objectives with instructional strategies and assessment methods?
• tends to be more prescriptive, providing clear guidelines for the design and delivery of instruction

Learning design:?

• takes a broader perspective, considering the entire learning ecosystem and emphasizing collaboration and co-creation
• acknowledges the complexity and diversity of learning contexts?
• encourages flexibility and adaptability in the design process

There is a lot more to dig into here but I hope this can helped shape an understanding of the similarities and differences between instructional design and learning design.? So, are you an Instructional Designer or a Learning Designer?? Let me know in the comments.

References:

Laurillard, D. (2012). Teaching as a Design Science: Building Pedagogical Patterns for Learning? ? and Technology. Routledge.

Mor, Y., Winters, N., & Thille, C. (2015). Examining the Research Designs and Methodological Approaches of Studies on Learning Design: A Review of Selected Journals. British Journal of Educational Technology, 46(3), 565-573.

Reiser, R. A., & Dempsey, J. V. (2018). Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology. Pearson.

Smith, P. L., & Ragan (2005). A Framework for Instructional Strategy Design. Wiley & Sons.