Unlock the potential of effective learning strategies choosing resources from this selection of free Instructional Design online courses. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, having a comprehensive understanding of Instructional Design (ID) techniques and processes is crucial for creating impactful and engaging learning experiences.

Whether you’re new to the field or seeking to refine your skills, this curated list of free online courses in Instructional Design—complemented by other free courses in Learning Experience Design (LXD) and User Experience (UX)—will help you stay ahead in 2024.

Free Instructional Design Courses to give a go in 2024

Instructional Design Foundations and Applications

by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Coursera)

Discover the core concepts of instructional design with the course “Instructional Design Foundations and Applications” by Eunjung Grace Oh from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the theoretical and conceptual foundations of instructional design, and is a primer to the Instructional Design MasterTrack Certificate.

• Modality: Online, On-Demand Video
• Duration: Over 5 hours of video content + additional time for readings, quizzes, and peer reviews
• Content Access: Use Audit Mode to access the course’s content for free

What You’ll Learn:

• Fundamental principles and theories of instructional systems design.
• Deep understanding of major learning and instructional theories.
• Detailed examination of the instructional design process and various models.
• Comprehensive analysis techniques essential for effective instructional design.
• Insight into instructional design careers and potential career paths.

Instructional Design Models

by Edx.org

“Instructional Design Models,” offered by UMGC and USMx, is a comprehensive course that explores various instructional design models, their strengths, and their applications in crafting effective online learning experiences. The course is part of the Instructional Design and Technology MicroMaster’s program from UMGC, acting as a stepping stone to advanced studies in this field.

• About the course:
  • Modality: Instructor-led, Instructor-paced
  • Duration: 8 weeks, 8–10 hours per week
  • Content Access: Use Audit Mode to access the course’s content for free

What You’ll Learn:

• • Fundamental principles of different instructional design models, including ADDIE, Dick and Carey, Understanding by Design (UbD), Rapid Instructional Design, and SAM.
  • The ability to differentiate between various instructional design models and understand their implications.
  • Analysis of the strengths and limitations of different instructional design approaches.
  • Application of these models to diverse contexts.
  • Creation of an Instructional Design Document (IDD) for a mini-course and building an Instructional Design portfolio.

Become an Awesome Instructional Designer

by Udemy

In this transformative course, “Become an Awesome Instructional Designer,” offered by Udemy, you will delve into the nuances of being an exceptional instructional designer. This course is tailored for those eager to deepen their understanding of instructional design and enhance their impact in the field.

• About the course:
  • Modality: Online, On-Demand Video
  • Duration: 31 minutes

What You’ll Learn:

• Grasping the core responsibilities and impact of an instructional designer.
• Techniques for identifying the real business goals of your clients.
• Understanding the motivations of learners and how to cater to them.
• Innovative strategies to bridge the learning gap effectively.

Instructional Design Principles to Create Successful E-Learning Courses

by Alison

This course provides an in-depth look at the key principles of instructional design, specifically tailored for creating successful e-learning courses. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications to equip you with the skills needed to design effective online learning experiences.

• About the course:
  • Modality: Online, Self-Paced
  • Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours

What You’ll Learn:

• Fundamental principles of instructional design for e-learning.
• Techniques for creating engaging and effective online courses.
• Best practices in e-learning design and content delivery.
• Strategies for incorporating interactive elements and multimedia.
• Approaches to assessing and enhancing learner engagement and knowledge retention.
• Methods for tailoring e-learning courses to diverse learning styles and needs.

Instructional Design for Online and Blended Courses

by Udemy

Developed by Andrew Sears and Michael Truong, this comprehensive tutorial, “Instructional Design for Online and Blended Courses,” offers a practical approach to building online courses using established best practices.

• About the course:
  • Modality: Online, On-Demand Video
  • Duration: 2 hours 4 minutes

What You’ll Learn:

• Designing online or blended courses using proven best practices.
• Utilization of provided templates for course analysis, research, and planning.
• Weekly course design using the provided template and OSCQR rubric for quality assessment.
• Incorporating the latest technology, videos, and screencasts to enhance course engagement.
• Development and publication of courses in Canvas or other systems based on your course blueprint.
• Integration of Christian worldview into course design for those from Christian institutions.

Scenario-Based Learning: Scaling for Impact

by Eduflow

Join a dynamic roundtable discussion led by experts Gwen Baker, Zachary Gottlieb, and Heidi Kirby, delving into the effectiveness and scalability of scenario-based learning. This course is perfect for those interested in innovative learning strategies and their practical applications.

• About the course:
  • Type: Self-paced
  • Duration: 1-2 hours

What You’ll Learn:

• The multifaceted nature of scenario-based learning.
• The effectiveness of storytelling in learning retention.
• Designing scenario-based learning for large groups.
• Insights from industry experts on strategic implementation.

Standardization, Consistency, and Efficiency in Your eLearning Development

by Eduflow

Learn from the experiences of Mike Belknap and Deanna Flanagan from Trintech, as they share their journey in standardizing the eLearning development process. This course is ideal for teams seeking to improve efficiency and consistency in their eLearning projects.

• About the course:
  • Type: Self-paced
  • Duration: 1-2 hours

What You’ll Learn:

• Techniques for standardizing eLearning development.
• Utilization of master templates in Storyline for design efficiency.
• Strategies for meeting the cognitive needs of learners through standardized templates.

Why taking Instructional Design Courses matters?

Even if you are a experienced professional

In the learning-centric field of instructional design, continuous learning is not just a recommendation but a necessity, even for those who are seasoned in the profession. The landscape of learning and education is dynamic, with new technologies, methodologies, and theories emerging regularly. Taking instructional design courses offers experienced professionals a multitude of benefits:

• Refreshing your knowledge: Keeping up-to-date with what the ID/LXD Market requires and with latest trends in our industry, and revisiting fundamental concepts for deeper understanding.
• Boosting confidence: Reinforcing your expertise and gaining confidence in your skills and approaches in instructional design.
• Enhanced performance in interviews: Staying competitive and articulate in job interviews by demonstrating updated knowledge and continuous learning.
• Staying connected as a learner: Reminding yourself of the learner’s perspective to create more effective instructional designs.
• Experiencing diverse learning journeys: Identifying new preferences and trends to inform and inspire your own instructional designs.
• Networking and community engagement: Connecting with peers for collaboration and sharing insights in the field of instructional design.
• Learning new tools and technologies: Gaining hands-on experience with the latest innovations in instructional design.
• Applying insights to your designs: Enhancing your own course designs through critical analysis of various instructional models and approaches.
• Enhancing your CV: Bolstering your resume and professional standing with additional completed courses and qualifications in instructional design.

Exploring Free Instructional Design Courses

There are so many options of free courses in Instructional Design (ID) if you know where to look. Here’s a guide on how to find valuable ID courses without cost:

• Explore MOOC Platforms: Check out platforms like Coursera, edX, Linkedin Learning, Udemy, and FutureLearn. These sites offer a range of ID courses that can be filtered to show free options.
• Use Free Previews and Audit Options: Many platforms offer an “audit” feature, providing access to comprehensive course materials for free. For instance, the audit option on Coursera allows learners to experience course content without the cost of certification.
• Participate in Software Events: Stay tuned for events organized by instructional design software companies. Free webinars, workshops, and conferences hosted by these companies offer practical insights and are a great way to network within the ID community.
• Utilize Open Educational Resources (OER): Websites like OER Commons and MIT OpenCourseWare are excellent sources for free instructional design content, ranging from individual lectures to entire course curriculums.
• Engage in Professional Networks and Forums: Join ID-related discussions on LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities for recommendations on free courses and valuable networking opportunities.
• Subscribe to Industry Newsletters: Keep informed about free ID courses and resources by subscribing to newsletters from ID thought leaders or educational technology blogs.
• Monitor Educational Institutions: Universities often provide free online courses or public lectures in instructional design, particularly during special educational events. Check their websites and social media channels for announcements.
• Follow ID Experts on Social Media: Platforms like Twitter and YouTube are great for staying updated, as ID professionals and organizations frequently post about free learning resources, including courses and webinars.
• Join Online ID Communities: Participate in e-learning and instructional design forums and online communities, where members often share free courses and valuable resources.
• Attend Local ID Meetups and Workshops: Local events can provide free learning experiences and are also great for networking and finding out about new free course opportunities.
• Volunteer for Beta Testing of ID Courses: Watch out for beta testing opportunities. Course creators often offer free access to new courses in exchange for feedback.

Other Topics to Explore in Instructional Design

To deepen your expertise in instructional design, consider exploring these related topics:

• Emerging Technologies: Look for courses that cover virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, as they’re revolutionizing education and training.
• Foundational ID Principles: Understanding learning theories and curriculum development is key. Seek resources that build this foundational knowledge.
• User Experience in Education: Courses that integrate UX design with educational settings can enhance the effectiveness of learning environments.
• Project Management: Acquiring skills in project management, especially agile methodologies, is crucial for successful instructional design projects.
• Learning Impact Evaluation: Learn how to measure the effectiveness of educational programs, including techniques in learning analytics and ROI assessment.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: Focus on creating courses that are accessible to and inclusive of diverse learners.
• Content Creation and Storytelling: Improve your narrative techniques and multimedia content creation skills to enhance learning experiences.
• Trends in ID: Stay updated with the latest trends in instructional design to understand global best practices and diverse cultural approaches to education and training.

The landscape of Instructional Design in 2024 offers a wealth of opportunities for learning and professional growth. Whether you’re beginning your journey in ID or looking to enhance your existing skills, these free courses and resources provide pathways to elevate your expertise and stay current in the dynamic field of Instructional Design.