Summing Up > Instructional Design Essentials

Instructional design can be deep and complicated. There are many philosophies and no single philosophy is “right.” However, there are a few questions to keep in mind that will ensure that your design is effective:

1. Who? Who are your learners are how will that affect their performance?

2. Why? What is your major purpose? What’s the most important information you have to share?

3. What? What smaller learning accomplishments will your learners need to achieve in order to understand your purpose?

4. When? In what order should the content be explored?

5. Where? How can you create a space that will make your learners feel comfortable and ready to learn?

If you can answer these questions clearly, you are well on your way to planning effective instruction!