Best Free Resources for Instructional Design Self-Education

Introduction

In the digital age, self-education has become a powerful tool for anyone interested in instructional design. There are numerous free resources available that can help you build a solid foundation in this field and stay updated with the latest trends. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to enhance your skills, this article will guide you through the best free resources for instructional design self-education.

Online Courses

Coursera

Coursera offers a variety of free courses and specializations related to instructional design. These courses often cover a range of topics and can be taken at your own pace. Some popular courses on Coursera include:

Instructional Design Specialization by the University of California, Irvine Designing Engaging eLearning Cultures: Part 1

Coursera also partners with leading universities and organizations, ensuring that you have access to high-quality content from reputable sources.

edX

Similar to Coursera, edX provides access to a wide range of free courses in instructional design. edX is known for partnerships with top universities and institutions, making its courses highly regarded. Some recommended courses include:

Introduction to Instructional Design by University of South Florida Instructional Design in a Nutshell by the University of Central Florida

Khan Academy

Khan Academy, primarily focused on K-12 education, offers valuable insights into effective teaching methods that can be applied to instructional design. While they don't have a specific instructional design course, their content on pedagogy and learning strategies can be highly beneficial. Look for courses and articles on:

Pedagogy Effective Teaching Methods Classroom Activities

Websites and Blogs

eLearning Industry

The eLearning Industry is a comprehensive resource for instructional design and e-learning. This site features a wealth of articles, guides, and resources on instructional design and educational technology. Some key sections to explore include:

Instructional Design Articles Learning Paths Trends in E-Learning

The Learning Guild

The Learning Guild offers a variety of free resources including research reports and articles focusing on the learning and development industry. Their resources are particularly useful for understanding the latest trends and challenges in instructional design. Some key articles to explore include:

Research Reports on Emerging Learning Technologies Case Studies on Successful Instructional Design Projects

ATD (Association for Talent Development)

ATD provides a variety of free resources including articles and webinars related to instructional design and training. Their resources are designed to help professionals stay updated with the latest industry practices. Some recommended sources include:

ATD Blog: Offers articles on instructional design trends and best practices Webinars and Roundtables: Insights into the latest training and instructional design strategies

YouTube Channels

The eLearning Coach

The eLearning Coach provides tips and strategies for instructional design and e-learning development. Their content is highly practical and covers both theoretical and practical aspects. Some key videos to watch include:

Tips for Creating Effective eLearning Examples of Instructional Design Best Practices

Designing for Learning

Designing for Learning focuses on practical tips and insights into effective instructional design. The channel provides a wealth of videos that cover various aspects of instructional design. Some key areas to explore include:

Practical Design Tips Case Studies of Successful Instructional Design Projects

Dr. Richard E. Mayer, known for his work in multimedia learning, offers recorded lectures on cognitive principles related to instructional design. These lectures can provide a strong theoretical foundation. Some recommended videos include:

Cognitive Principles for Multimedia Learning Effective Instructional Design Strategies Based on Cognitive Science

Books and eBooks

Design for How People Learn (2nd Edition) by Gary R. Morrison, Steven M. Ross, and Jerrold E. Kemp

While the full text may not always be free, you can often find excerpts or related summaries online. This book is a foundational text in the field of instructional design, offering practical insights and strategies. Some key topics covered include:

Learning Strategies Risk Management in Instructional Design

Instructional Design (5th Edition) by Cammy Bean

Check for free PDFs or summaries which provide valuable insights into the field. This book is a comprehensive guide to instructional design, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. Some recommended sections to explore include:

Foundational Concepts in Instructional Design Best Practices for Course Design

Professional Networks

LinkedIn Groups

Join LinkedIn groups focused on instructional design for discussions, resources, and networking with professionals in the field. Some popular groups include:

Instructional Design Learning ?Development E-learning

These groups provide valuable networking opportunities and access to a community of professionals who can offer advice and support.

Reddit

Subreddits like r/instructionaldesign can be helpful for community support, sharing resources, and asking questions. Some popular subreddits include:

/r/instructionaldesign /r/eLearning /r/training

These subreddits are great for finding resources, getting feedback on your designs, and connecting with other professionals.

Additional Resources

Open Educational Resources (OER)

Websites like OER Commons offer free instructional materials that can be beneficial for understanding design principles. OER Commons provides a vast collection of open educational resources from around the world. Some key areas to explore include:

Curriculum Materials Lesson Plans Assessment Tools

Podcasts

Look for educational podcasts that focus on instructional design such as:

Learning with Chris! The Brain Based Teacher The eLearning Coach Podcast

These podcasts provide insights into the latest trends, best practices, and research in instructional design. Some recommended episodes include:

Podcast Episodes on Advancements in Learning Technologies Podcast Episodes on Case Studies of Successful Instructional Design Projects

Conclusion

By leveraging these resources, you can build a solid foundation in instructional design and keep up with the latest trends and best practices in the field. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to enhance your skills, there are ample opportunities for growth and development. Happy learning!