What Is Instructional Design and Development?

Excellent educational training programs don’t simply come together like magic. Immense thought, planning, and skill must go into the instructional design and development for each course. Otherwise, the training could fail to hit the mark, especially when it comes to creating a workplace centered on education.

So, if you want to effectively train your team, it’s important to seek out a training provider with a true knack for instructional systems design (ISD). Ready to get started in building a truly knowledgeable team? Here’s what you need to know about well-designed training programs.

What Is Instructional Design and Development?

Instructional design and development is the process of creating effective learning programs. The design stage starts with identifying the need for training, and then adopting the right instructional model. The model must meet the learners at their current level of understanding while eliminating barriers to learning.

The development stage customizes the model with compelling training materials. Keynote speaker presentations, hands-on learning modules, and handouts all come together to best address the needs of the learner. The training materials must slowly introduce new concepts while tying them back to the connections already made at previous levels of the program.

All along the way, a great instructional design and development process creates room for customization. A well-designed program can work well for large and small businesses, for example. Plus, all the learning materials should work well whether the event gets held on-site or virtually.

Importance of Instructional Design and Development for Training

Although instructional design and development matters for all types of training, it’s especially important for those entering complex fields, such as operator qualifications and energy compliance.

Without the right approach, the learning process is fraught with pitfalls, especially in learners who don’t want to challenge existing norms. A well-designed program meets learners where they’re at, and then builds up their knowledge in an easy-to-digest format.

The program needs to gradually shift the mindset of learners, allowing them to see a new way forward. Each module needs to inspire them to adopt the practical skills needed to create a truly collaborative workplace for all.

Hallmark Characteristics of a Well-Designed Training Course

Not all training courses are made equal. So, you have to go all out in finding one with key instructional design and development practices at its core. To do that effectively, look for all the following hallmark characteristics of a well-designed training program.

Comprehensive Curriculum

To make the biggest impact on your team, any training program must center around a comprehensive curriculum. A solid curriculum addresses an overview, and then introduces basic principles in an easy-to-understand format. After that, the learning modules should build upon prior knowledge to bring everyone up to speed on the necessities of compliance and what is needed for qualification after the program.

Evidence-Backed Approaches

Every last piece of the curriculum must come backed by evidence-based approaches to truly make the right impression on your team. From the instructional model and speaker presentations to the learning modules and handouts, everything must align with proven learning strategies and techniques. So, don’t be afraid to ask about the science behind instructional design and development approaches.

True Subject Matter Experts

Even with the best training materials around, the program doesn’t truly come to life unless it’s led by knowledgeable subject matter experts. Through their real-life experiences, these experts bring unmatched knowledge to the table, helping enrich every stage of the learning process. The specialized expertise goes a long way in informing everyone on your team, so you can rest assured the lessons achieve the right impact.

Multiple Training Formats

Multiple training formats are key in creating a course that works for professional organizations. Search for courses available online and on-site, so you can adjust the approach as needed to meet the needs of your team.

In the end, it all comes down to results. Your OQ training program provider should have the ability to share their wins, showing you the effectiveness of their courses. They should be able to cite positive impacts on employee engagement, policy adherence, and accuracy of information, just to name a few things.

When to Use Education and Training Programs

Almost every business can benefit from regularly completing training programs, especially those requiring operation qualifications. This is vital in creating the groundwork for a more knowledgeable team environment. But you cannot stop there. Plan to make ongoing training a top priority.

To learn more about instructional design and development with OQ training, reach out to our team at Energy Worldnet. We look forward to helping you instruct and train professionals in the workplace. So, please feel free to contact us whenever you want to improve collaboration at all levels of your company.