Details Report for:
25-9031.01 - Instructional Designers and Technologists
Develop instructional materials and products and assist in the technology-based redesign of courses. Assist faculty in learning about, becoming proficient in, and applying instructional technology.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Develop instructional materials and products for technology-based redesign of courses.
- Teach instructors to use instructional technology or to integrate technology with teaching.
- Adapt instructional content or delivery methods for different levels or types of learners.
- Conduct needs assessments and strategic learning assessments to develop the basis for curriculum development or to update curricula.
- Design instructional aids for stand-alone or instructor-led classroom or online use.
- Design learning products, including web-based aids or electronic performance support systems.
- Develop instruction or training roadmaps for online and blended learning programs.
- Develop master course documentation or manuals according to applicable accreditation, certification, or other requirements.
- Interview subject matter experts or conduct other research to develop instructional content.
- Present and make recommendations regarding course design, technology, and instruction delivery options.
- Provide analytical support for the design and development of training curricula, learning strategies, educational policies, or courseware standards.
- Provide technical advice on the use of current instructional technologies, including computer-based training, desktop videoconferencing, multimedia, and distance learning technologies.
- Provide technical support to clients in the implementation of designed instruction or in task analyses and instructional systems design.
- Recommend changes to curricula or delivery methods, based on information such as instructional effectiveness data, current or future performance requirements, feasibility, and costs.
- Recommend instructional methods, such as individual or group instruction, self-study, lectures, demonstrations, simulation exercises, and role-playing, appropriate for content and learner characteristics.
- Research and evaluate emerging instructional technologies or methods.
- Analyze performance data to determine effectiveness of instructional systems, courses, or instructional materials.
- Assess effectiveness and efficiency of instruction according to ease of instructional technology use and student learning, knowledge transfer, and satisfaction.
- Define instructional, learning, or performance objectives.
- Develop instructional materials, such as lesson plans, handouts, or examinations.
- Develop measurement tools to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction or training interventions.
- Edit instructional materials, such as books, simulation exercises, lesson plans, instructor guides, and tests.
- Observe and provide feedback on instructional techniques, presentation methods, or instructional aids.
Tools & Technology Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Tools used in this occupation:
| Desktop computers |
| Digital camcorders or video cameras — Digital camcorders |
| Digital cameras |
| Graphics tablets — Digital paper |
| Laser printers — Computer laser printers |
| Multimedia projectors — Multimedia projection equipment |
| Notebook computers — Laptop computers |
| Photocopiers — Photocopying equipment |
| Scanners — Computer data input scanners |
| Special purpose telephones — Multi-line telephone systems |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Computer based training software — Adobe Systems Adobe Captivate; Articulate Rapid E-Learning Studio; Trivantis CourseMill; Worldwide Instructional Design System WIDS (see all 14 examples) |
| Desktop publishing software — Adobe Systems Adobe FrameMaker; Microsoft Publisher; Performance Technology Associates DocuTools |
| Development environment software — ActionScript; Adobe Systems Adobe AIR |
| Document management software — Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat software; Vasont Content Management System |
| Electronic mail software — Email software; Microsoft Outlook |
| Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Systems Adobe Flash; Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator; Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software; TechSmith Snagit (see all 5 examples) |
| Network conferencing software — Adobe Systems Adobe Connect; Microsoft Office SharePoint Server MOSS; Webinar software |
| Video creation and editing software — Adobe Systems Adobe Premiere Pro software; Apple QuickTime; Avid Technology Pinnacle Studio; TechSmith Camtasia |
| Web page creation and editing software — Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver; IXL Learning Quia Web; Nvu *; SeaMonkey * (see all 5 examples) |
| Web platform development software — Cascading Style Sheets CSS; Hypertext markup language HTML; JavaScript |
* Software developed by a government agency and/or distributed as freeware or shareware.
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Instructional Coordinators.
Employment data collected from Instructional Coordinators.
Industry data collected from Instructional Coordinators.
| Median wages (2010) | $28.28 hourly, $58,830 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 134,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Much faster than average (20% or higher)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 60,600 |
| Top industries (2008) | Educational Services (70% employed in this sector)
Government (12%)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Instructional coordinators
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.