As 2022 continues forward, new instructional design trends keep emerging. Some are in response to changes created by the pandemic. Others are related to emerging technologies and evolving understandings of what optimal learning experiences involve.
By learning about instructional design trends, you have the opportunity to embrace the latest and greatest approaches. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are a few trends that are worth keeping on your radar.
Learner-Centric Strategies
In years past, learning usually focused on the institution’s needs and preferences. Coursework was delivered a particular way, with little regard for the unique needs, preferences, and knowledge bases of the learners themselves. Today, that mindset continues to be viewed as antiquated. Instead, education is becoming more adaptive, allowing learner-centric strategies to take center stage. Whether it’s implementing new technologies, incorporating microlearning techniques, or adding in interactive elements, learners are getting more options, making it easier for those who learn best differently to find tools available.Forgoing Traditional Textbooks
Long a standard on college campuses and in K-12 schools, textbooks are increasingly becoming a thing of the past. Textbooks don’t always reflect current understandings of topics and can’t incorporate new discoveries as they occur. As a result, many schools are allowing professors and teachers to use alternative approaches, embracing content curation best practices to create customized packets of learning materials based on existing objectives. With this option, coursework can always include details about new advancements, emerging trends, and current events. Plus, it creates opportunities to add more than just text, creating a more well-rounded educational experience.Incorporating Mobile Learning
While many colleges have long embraced computers as part of the experience, those on the cutting-edge are going a step further, making mobile learning part of the standard. Along with creating websites that adapt to any device type, they’re increasingly adding content that’s designed specifically with smartphones in mind. Often, the goal of using mobile as a delivery system is to embrace a technology that’s second nature to students. Plus, the high level of portability allows them to focus on learning from nearly anywhere, which can be beneficial.Interactive Educational Elements
Much of a traditional school experience focused on lectures, with the occasional lab thrown in for scientific subjects. However, today is seeing a rise in interactive educational elements, primarily as a means of enhancing learning through boosted engagement. Along with quizzes, courses may include live polls, drag-and-drop activities, digital scenarios, and question submission features. These allow students to take a more active role in the class, making it easier for them to understand and connect with the content presented.Are You Ready to Embrace Emerging Instructional Design Trends?
At Clarity, we have nearly 30 years of experience in L&D, giving us the knowledge and expertise to update your coursework to embrace emerging instructional design trends. Plus, if you’re trying to expand your internal L&D team, Clarity can be your candidate search ally, connecting you with top talent right when you need them. If you want to partner with leading L&D professionals, Clarity Consultants is here. Contact us today.
