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Learning path

Instructional Designer learning path: everything to study, topic by topic

Comprehensive Instructional Designer assessment covering learning science, analysis and design, content development, learning technologies, evaluation and iteration, and program leadership.

Short answer

To learn Instructional Designer, work through 6 modules and 20 topics in the order they build on each other. It starts with Learning Science Foundations, then moves on to Analysis & Design and Content Development. Use the map as a checklist, or measure your level and study only what is missing.

6
modules
20
topics
50
min to assess

What you will study

Topics are grouped by module. Open one to see its objectives and key concepts.

1 · Learning Science Foundations3 topics
  • Adult Learning Principles

    Applying andragogy, self-directed learning, and experiential learning theory to design instruction that respects how adults acquire and retain knowledge

    Objectives

    • Explain how adult learning differs from pedagogy and apply Knowles' assumptions
    • Design a learning activity that leverages experiential learning principles

    Key concepts

    • andragogy
    • self-directed learning
    • experiential learning
    • Knowles assumptions
    • readiness to learn
  • Cognitive Load Theory

    Managing intrinsic, extraneous, and germane cognitive load through chunking, scaffolding, and multimedia design aligned with Sweller's framework

    Objectives

    • Identify sources of extraneous cognitive load in a learning module and propose fixes
    • Apply chunking and scaffolding to reduce intrinsic load for novice learners

    Key concepts

    • intrinsic load
    • extraneous load
    • germane load
    • chunking
    • scaffolding
    • worked examples
  • Motivation & Engagement Models

    Leveraging Keller's ARCS model, self-determination theory, and intrinsic motivation frameworks to sustain learner engagement throughout a program

    Objectives

    • Apply the ARCS model to diagnose and fix low engagement in an e-learning course
    • Design motivation hooks using self-determination theory principles

    Key concepts

    • ARCS model
    • self-determination theory
    • intrinsic motivation
    • autonomy
    • competence
    • relatedness
2 · Analysis & Design4 topics
  • ADDIE & SAM Frameworks

    Selecting and applying ADDIE (waterfall) or SAM (iterative) design models based on project constraints, timelines, and stakeholder needs

    Objectives

    • Compare ADDIE and SAM and recommend the right model for a given project
    • Produce a design document that covers analysis through evaluation planning

    Key concepts

    • ADDIE phases
    • SAM iterations
    • design document
    • rapid prototyping
    • stakeholder signoff
  • Learner Analysis & Personas

    Conducting needs analysis, building learner personas, and mapping prior knowledge to tailor instructional strategies to audience segments

    Objectives

    • Build a learner persona from interview and survey data
    • Conduct a task analysis that informs content sequencing

    Key concepts

    • needs analysis
    • learner persona
    • prior knowledge mapping
    • audience segmentation
    • task analysis
  • Learning Objectives Taxonomy

    Writing measurable learning objectives using Bloom's taxonomy, Mager's criteria, and aligning objectives to assessment and content granularity

    Objectives

    • Write terminal and enabling objectives that satisfy Mager's criteria
    • Build an alignment matrix linking objectives to assessments and content

    Key concepts

    • Bloom's taxonomy
    • Mager's objectives
    • terminal objective
    • enabling objective
    • action verbs
    • alignment matrix
  • Storyboarding & Prototyping

    Creating visual storyboards, interaction maps, and rapid prototypes that communicate design intent to developers, SMEs, and stakeholders

    Objectives

    • Create a storyboard that clearly communicates interactions and branching logic
    • Facilitate a storyboard review session with SMEs and stakeholders

    Key concepts

    • storyboard
    • interaction map
    • wireframe
    • rapid prototype
    • review cycle
    • branching scenario map
3 · Content Development3 topics
  • Scenario-Based Learning Design

    Designing realistic, branching scenarios that promote decision-making practice, contextual recall, and transfer of learning to the workplace

    Objectives

    • Design a branching scenario with meaningful decision points and consequence feedback
    • Evaluate a scenario for authenticity and transfer potential

    Key concepts

    • branching scenario
    • decision point
    • consequence feedback
    • authentic context
    • transfer of learning
  • Media Selection & Scripting

    Choosing the right media mix (video, audio, animation, text) based on content type, budget, and learner context, and writing effective narration and on-screen scripts

    Objectives

    • Select a media mix justified by content type and Mayer's multimedia principles
    • Write a narration script that complements on-screen visuals without redundancy

    Key concepts

    • media selection matrix
    • narration script
    • on-screen text
    • multimedia principle
    • modality principle
    • production budget
  • Accessibility & Universal Design

    Applying WCAG guidelines, Section 508, and universal design for learning (UDL) to ensure content is usable by learners with diverse abilities

    Objectives

    • Audit an e-learning module against WCAG 2.1 AA and produce a remediation plan
    • Apply UDL principles to provide multiple means of engagement and representation

    Key concepts

    • WCAG 2.1
    • Section 508
    • UDL framework
    • alt text
    • closed captions
    • keyboard navigation
    • color contrast
4 · Learning Technologies4 topics
  • Authoring Tools

    Selecting and using authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Rise, Adobe Captivate, and Lectora to build interactive e-learning modules efficiently

    Objectives

    • Select the right authoring tool based on interactivity needs, timeline, and team skills
    • Implement branching logic using triggers and variables in Storyline

    Key concepts

    • Articulate Storyline
    • Articulate Rise
    • Adobe Captivate
    • Lectora
    • triggers and variables
    • slide layers
  • LMS & LXP Platforms

    Configuring and managing Learning Management Systems and Learning Experience Platforms, including enrollment, reporting, content curation, and learner pathways

    Objectives

    • Configure learner pathways and completion rules in an LMS
    • Compare LMS vs LXP and recommend the right platform for a given L&D strategy

    Key concepts

    • LMS administration
    • LXP curation
    • learner pathways
    • enrollment rules
    • completion tracking
    • reporting dashboards
  • xAPI, SCORM & Data Standards

    Implementing SCORM 1.2/2004 and xAPI (Tin Can) for content packaging, tracking, and advanced learning-analytics data capture via Learning Record Stores

    Objectives

    • Design an xAPI statement strategy that captures meaningful learning events
    • Troubleshoot SCORM packaging issues between authoring tool and LMS

    Key concepts

    • SCORM 1.2
    • SCORM 2004
    • xAPI statements
    • Learning Record Store
    • cmi5
    • interoperability
  • Simulations & Immersive Learning

    Designing and deploying simulations, virtual reality, and gamified environments for high-stakes skill practice and performance support

    Objectives

    • Select the appropriate fidelity level for a simulation based on risk and cost
    • Design a gamified learning experience with meaningful progression mechanics

    Key concepts

    • simulation design
    • virtual reality
    • gamification mechanics
    • performance support
    • fidelity levels
    • debriefing
5 · Evaluation & Iteration3 topics
  • Formative & Summative Evaluation

    Planning and executing Kirkpatrick's four levels, formative usability tests, and summative assessments to measure learning effectiveness and business impact

    Objectives

    • Design an evaluation plan covering all four Kirkpatrick levels
    • Conduct a formative usability test and translate findings into actionable revisions

    Key concepts

    • Kirkpatrick levels
    • formative evaluation
    • summative evaluation
    • Level 3 transfer
    • Level 4 business impact
    • pilot testing
  • A/B Testing & Learning Analytics

    Running controlled experiments on content variations, analyzing completion and assessment data, and using Moore's evaluation diagnostics to identify design gaps

    Objectives

    • Design an A/B test to compare two instructional approaches with valid metrics
    • Interpret learning-analytics dashboards to pinpoint where learners struggle

    Key concepts

    • A/B testing
    • learning analytics
    • completion rates
    • assessment item analysis
    • Moore's evaluation levels
    • effect size
  • Continuous Improvement Cycles

    Establishing feedback loops, version-control workflows, and data-driven iteration processes that keep learning programs current and effective

    Objectives

    • Build a quarterly content-review cadence with clear update and retirement criteria
    • Use evaluation data to prioritize which modules to revise first

    Key concepts

    • feedback loops
    • content versioning
    • SME review cadence
    • retirement criteria
    • data-driven iteration
    • maintenance schedule
6 · Program Leadership3 topics
  • Curriculum Strategy & Architecture

    Designing enterprise-wide curriculum architectures, competency maps, and multi-year learning roadmaps aligned to organizational capability goals

    Objectives

    • Design a curriculum architecture that maps to an organizational competency model
    • Build a multi-year learning roadmap with phased capability milestones

    Key concepts

    • curriculum architecture
    • competency map
    • learning roadmap
    • capability model
    • program portfolio
    • skills taxonomy
  • Managing ID Teams

    Leading and scaling instructional design teams, establishing quality standards, managing workloads, and coaching junior designers to grow

    Objectives

    • Establish quality-assurance standards and a peer-review process for an ID team
    • Create a capacity plan that balances workload across team members and vendors

    Key concepts

    • team capacity planning
    • quality standards
    • style guide
    • peer review process
    • mentoring junior IDs
    • vendor management
  • SME Partnerships & Stakeholder Governance

    Building productive SME relationships, managing stakeholder expectations, securing executive sponsorship, and governing learning program investments

    Objectives

    • Design an SME engagement model that minimizes SME time while maximizing content quality
    • Present a learning program ROI report to an executive steering committee

    Key concepts

    • SME engagement model
    • stakeholder governance
    • executive sponsorship
    • learning council
    • ROI reporting
    • change management

Levels: Junior, Mid, Senior, and Expert

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Frequently asked questions

Where should I start studying Instructional Designer?

Start with Learning Science Foundations: Adult Learning Principles, Cognitive Load Theory, and Motivation & Engagement Models. The map orders topics by what they depend on, so each one prepares the next.

How long does a full Instructional Designer assessment take?

A full assessment of this path takes about 50 minutes. Study time depends on where you start; a diagnostic shows which topics you can skip.

Do I need an account to use this page?

No. The map, objectives and key concepts are open. You only need an account to be measured, get your gap by topic and receive a plan.