What to look for in an Instructional Design Academy or Bootcamp.

What to look for in an instructional design academy… It’s not what you think.

In the digital age, where the creation and dissemination of online educational programs have become increasingly accessible, the allure of enrolling in instructional design academies or bootcamps has similarly grown. These programs promise to equip aspiring corporate instructional designers with the necessary skills to thrive in the industry. However, not all that glitters is gold.

It is crucial for prospective students to discern and protect themselves from unauthorized programs that could potentially harm their careers and the industry at large. This article expands on what to look for in an instructional design academy, the risks associated with unauthorized programs, and resources for reporting non-compliant institutions.

Protect Your Career Investment

In a world where anyone can launch a website and integrate a payment system, your vigilance is your best defense. The first step in safeguarding your career investment is to ensure enrollment in a state-authorized or accredited institution. State authorization or accreditation certifies that an educational program has met specific standards of quality and compliance, a testament to its legitimacy and value.

The Risks of Unauthorized Programs

Many online "academies" and "bootcamps" operate without state authorization, thereby engaging in illegal and non-compliant activities. These unauthorized entities bypass the essential process of obtaining state authorization, a mandatory requirement for all career programs wishing to enroll students, collect tuition fees, and issue certificates.

Why Unauthorized Programs Persist

Several factors contribute to the persistence of unauthorized programs. The vastness of the internet, coupled with the relatively small size of our industry, makes it challenging to monitor and regulate these entities. Additionally, a lack of awareness and clarity on how to report such programs to the Postsecondary Education Commissions—agencies that go by various names depending on the state—further complicates the issue.

The Consequences for Enrollees

Enrolling in an unauthorized program can jeopardize your investment and career aspirations. Issues may arise, such as:

• Inability to obtain refunds
• Discrepancies between promised and delivered curriculum
• Unqualified faculty
• Receipt of a worthless certificate
• Lack of career connections and support

Ultimately, students may find themselves financially exploited, without the skills needed to secure employment in the field of instructional design.

The Impact on the Learning & Development Industry

Unauthorized educational programs undermine the integrity of the instructional design industry. They contribute to the proliferation of underqualified professionals, which can dilute the quality of instructional design across various sectors. Moreover, these programs can tarnish the reputation of legitimate educational pathways, making it harder for genuinely skilled professionals to be recognized and valued.

Resources and Reporting

To combat the negative impact of unauthorized programs, it's crucial to know how to report them. If you encounter or suspect an unauthorized instructional design academy or bootcamp, you can report it to your state's Postsecondary Education Commission or equivalent authority. You'll be able to find a complete list for each state here: https://www.baysideprojects.com/list-of-state-approval-agencies-for-career-schools-and-colleges.html

In navigating the complex landscape of instructional design and online learning development education, one beacon of legitimacy and quality stands out: IDOL Academy. IDOL Academy distinguishes itself as the only state-authorized vocational school specifically dedicated to the fields of instructional design and online learning development. This authorization not only affirms the academy's compliance with stringent educational standards but also its commitment to providing a curriculum that is both comprehensive and relevant to the industry's current demands.

Why Choose IDOL Academy?

IDOL Academy's state authorization is a testament to its quality and the effectiveness of its instructional design and online learning programs. This authorization ensures that students receive education and training that meet high standards, preparing them for successful careers in the industry. Here are a few reasons why IDOL Academy is the preferred choice for aspiring instructional designers and online learning developers:

• Curriculum Excellence: IDOL Academy offers a meticulously designed curriculum to cover all essential aspects of instructional design and online learning development. The coursework is constantly updated to reflect the latest trends and practices in the field. In addition, you'll learn instructional design from the inside out. You'll be immersed in a gamified and interactive virtual experience that will inspire your own designs and career.
• Qualified Faculty: The academy prides itself on its faculty of seasoned professionals who bring real-world experience and insights into the classroom. This ensures that students learn from experts who understand the industry's nuances. Every member of the IDOL Academy faculty is already a Senior Instructional Designer or up in corporate instructional design. You'll receive mentorship, guidance, and feedback from some of the best minds in the industry.
• Career Connections: Beyond academic excellence, IDOL Academy provides students with networking opportunities and connections to potential employers. We partner with companies that want to hire our graduates, and they post their jobs to our exclusive alumni job board. Another unique aspect of our school is that we have a boutique staffing firm that only places IDOL Academy alumni on 1099 instructional design contracts. Rates start at $35 an hour. This is invaluable for launching a successful career in instructional design and online learning development.
• Hands-On Virtual Vocational School: Not only will you work with a real client to get context and experience to add to your resume, you will also get access to the popular tools in the industry with your enrollment.

• Compliance and Legitimacy: IDOL Academy operates within the legal frameworks established for educational institutions as a state-authorized vocational school. This protects students and enhances the academy's reputation among employers and industry leaders. You'll even find our school listed on job descriptions.

We Are Accepting Applications

IDOL Academy welcomes applications from individuals passionate about making a significant impact in instructional design and online learning. By choosing IDOL Academy, you are not just enrolling in a program but taking a crucial step towards building a meaningful and rewarding career in an ever-evolving field. Our commitment to excellence and compliance ensures you receive the best possible education, positioning you for success in the instructional design industry. We are so sure you'll love our program that we include a money-back proud portfolio guarantee.

Whether you are seeking to start a new career or enhance your instructional design and online learning skills, IDOL Academy offers a path to achieving your goals. Join a community of learners as dedicated and passionate about instructional design and online learning as you are. Apply now to take the first step towards realizing your potential and making a lasting impact in the learning and development community.

IDOL Academy application: https://www.idolcourses.com/academy

Conclusion

The importance of choosing a state-authorized institution cannot be overstated in the pursuit of a career in instructional design and online learning development. With its state authorization, IDOL Academy stands as a premier choice for those seeking to enter or advance in this dynamic field. By offering a rigorous curriculum, expert faculty, and valuable career connections, IDOL Academy not only protects students' investments but also significantly contributes to the advancement of the instructional design and online learning industry. Apply now to begin your journey towards becoming a leader in the world of instructional design and online learning.

If you've made it this far and want to start learning about instructional design, send me a message, and I'll give you a FREE PDF copy of my book, "The Do It Messy Approach: A Step-by-Step Guide for Instructional Designers and Online Learning Developers."