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    • Instructional Design

    Instructional Design Courses

    Instructional design courses can help you learn how to create effective learning experiences using educational theory, technology, and learner-centered strategies.

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    Find the Best Instructional Design Course for Your Goals

    • U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Instructional Design Foundations and Applications

      Skills you'll gain: Instructional and Curriculum Design, Needs Assessment, Instructional Design, Learning Theory, Diversity and Inclusion, Education and Training, Talent Management, Systems Analysis, Job Analysis, Analysis

      4
      Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      769 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Michigan

      An Introduction to Learning Experience Design (LXD)

      Skills you'll gain: Multimedia, Learning Theory, Instructional Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Educational Materials, Learning Management Systems, Course Development, Design Thinking, Professional Development, Brainstorming, Education Software and Technology, Motivational Skills, Communication, Design, Student-Centred Learning, Creative Thinking, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, User Centered Design, Technology Strategies, Quality Assurance

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      69 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Michigan

      Generative AI as a Learning Design Partner

      Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, ChatGPT, Prompt Engineering, Brainstorming, Course Development, Generative AI Agents, Ideation, Education Software and Technology, Educational Materials, Instructional Design, Artificial Intelligence, Design Strategies, Design, Persona Development, Data Ethics, Creative Design, Information Privacy

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      43 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • M

      Macquarie University

      Online Learning Design for Educators

      Skills you'll gain: Video Production, Infographics, Course Development, Multimedia, Discussion Facilitation, Content Creation, Constructive Feedback, Instructional Design, Design Thinking, Learning Management Systems, Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Storytelling, Community Development, Emerging Technologies, Education Software and Technology, Virtual Environment, Collaboration, System Configuration, Safety and Security

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      384 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Michigan

      Learning Experience Design: Theories and Frameworks

      Skills you'll gain: Learning Theory, Instructional Design, Course Development, Brainstorming, Motivational Skills, Communication, Design, Student-Centred Learning, Creative Thinking

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      24 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of Michigan

      Learning Experience Design: Development and Evaluation

      Skills you'll gain: Multimedia, Instructional Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Educational Materials, Learning Management Systems, Professional Development, Quality Assurance, Communication, Emerging Technologies

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      21 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: New AI skills
      New AI skills
      G

      Google

      Google UX Design

      Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, Wireframing, Responsive Web Design, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, User Research, UI/UX Research, Information Architecture, Figma (Design Software), Usability Testing, User Story, Web Design, Design Reviews, Usability, Presentations, User Experience, Design Research, Ideation, User Centered Design, Mockups

      Build toward a degree

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      90K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Michigan

      Learning Experience Design: Orientation to the Profession

      Skills you'll gain: Learning Theory, Instructional Design, Design Thinking, Professional Development, Education Software and Technology, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, User Centered Design, Technology Strategies, Collaboration, Emerging Technologies

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      49 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Ubiquitous Learning and Instructional Technologies

      Skills you'll gain: Learning Management Systems, Education Software and Technology, Instructional Strategies, Pedagogy, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Interactive Design, Collaborative Software, Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, Cloud Applications

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      71 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • A

      Adobe

      Design Fundamentals with AI

      Skills you'll gain: Color Theory, Typography, Color Matching, Graphic and Visual Design, Visual Design, Design, Graphic Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Design Elements And Principles, Logo Design, Creativity, Adobe Creative Cloud, Style Guides, User Experience Design, Content Creation

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      608 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: New AI skills
      New AI skills
      G

      Google

      Google Project Management:

      Skills you'll gain: Quality Management, Project Management Life Cycle, Project Scoping, Project Closure, Project Management, Project Planning, Continuous Improvement Process, Agile Project Management, Project Controls, Backlogs, Quality Assessment, Team Management, Project Documentation, Agile Methodology, Communication Planning, Project Schedules, Change Management, Milestones (Project Management), Organizational Structure, Data Storytelling

      Build toward a degree

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      128K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • C

      California Institute of the Arts

      Graphic Design

      Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Visual Design, Logo Design, Design Software, Digital Design, Creative Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Color Theory, Adobe InDesign, Photo Editing, Photography, Style Guides, Branding, Peer Review, Art History, Design, Aesthetics, Design Strategies

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      21K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Searches related to instructional design

    instructional design foundations and applications
    1234…383

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular instructional design courses

    • Instructional Design Foundations and Applications: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • An Introduction to Learning Experience Design (LXD): University of Michigan
    • Generative AI as a Learning Design Partner: University of Michigan
    • Online Learning Design for Educators: Macquarie University
    • Learning Experience Design: Theories and Frameworks: University of Michigan
    • Learning Experience Design: Development and Evaluation: University of Michigan
    • Google UX Design: Google
    • Learning Experience Design: Orientation to the Profession: University of Michigan
    • Ubiquitous Learning and Instructional Technologies: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • Design Fundamentals with AI: Adobe

    Why Learn Instructional Design?

    Instructional design focuses on developing educational content and experiences that help people learn effectively—whether in classrooms, online platforms, or workplace training. It blends learning science, curriculum development, and digital tools to support meaningful outcomes. Learning instructional design can prepare you to create engaging learning solutions across education, business, and nonprofit sectors.

    Skills you can learn in Business Essentials

    Analytics (37)
    Presentation (33)
    Modeling (29)
    Business Analytics (27)
    Language (26)
    Microsoft Excel (26)
    Writing (26)
    Speech (18)
    Plan (17)
    Business Communication (16)
    Decision-making (16)
    Leadership (15)

    Frequently Asked Questions about Instructional Design

    Top courses include Instructional Design Foundations and Applications from the University of Illinois and An Introduction to Learning Experience Design (LXD) from the University of Michigan as well. These programs cover learning theory, course planning, digital pedagogy, and technology tools for designing engaging learning experiences.‎

    Yes. Many instructional design courses offer a free audit option. You can access video lectures and readings at no cost. If you want to complete assessments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

    You’ll learn how to design learning objectives, structure courses, select appropriate media and tools, and evaluate learning outcomes. Many courses also include frameworks like ADDIE, Bloom’s Taxonomy, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).‎

    Not necessarily. While experience in education or training can be helpful, many courses are beginner-friendly and provide a strong foundation for anyone interested in creating effective learning experiences.‎

    Yes. Instructional design is a growing field across education, corporate training, government, and nonprofits. Coursera courses can help you build job-ready skills, create a portfolio of work, and earn certificates that demonstrate your ability to design engaging and effective learning materials.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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