Instructional Design for eLearning (Updated 2026)

Name: Instructional Design for eLearning (Updated 2026)
Rating: 4.0 (7974 reviews)

A practical introduction to instructional design for online learning.

Created byMarina Arshavskiy

Last updated 1/2026

English

What you'll learn

Apply core instructional design principles to create effective eLearning and online courses
Analyze learners, goals, and instructional context to make informed design decisions
Design instruction aligned with learning objectives, activities, and assessments
Use instructional design models and learning theories in real-world course design
Create structured design documents, storyboards, and scripts for eLearning projects
Design engaging, accessible, and instructionally sound eLearning experiences
Use emerging tools, including AI, to support instructional design workflows responsibly

Course content

4 sections • 34 lectures • 4h 32m total length

Introduction1:10
This lecture will provide a brief overview of the Instructional Design for ELearning course.
Instructional Design and ELearning11:43
In this lecture, you will learn about instructional systems design, eLearning, and blended learning. You will also learn about advantages and disadvantages of eLearning as well as some of the situations when eLearning is an appropriate solution.
Instructional Design and ELearning
Instructional Design Models10:08
In this lecture, you will learn about some of the most popular instructional design models, theories, and techniques including ADDIE, Seels and Glasgow ISD model, Dick and Carey Systems Approach model, Rapid ISD model, and the SAM model.
Instructional Design Models
Learning Theories10:42
In this lecture, you will learn about the main principles of behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. You will also learn about the concept of andragogy and the six principles of adult learning.
Learning Theories
Motivation6:39
In this lecture, you will learn about intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and its influences on training courses. You will also learn about the WIIFM principle as well as John Keller’s ARCS Model of Motivational Design. In addition, you will learn how to apply these models and principles to your course design.
Motivation
Memory9:42
In this lecture, you will learn about the role memory plays in learning as well as about long-term, short-term, and working memory. The lecture will cover George Miller’s magical number and how it relates to learning design, and finally, you will learn about the Cognitive load theory and things you can do to avoid Cognitive load in your course design.
Memory

Introduction to Section 20:51
This lecture will provide an overview of Section 2.
Needs Analysis and Data Collection Methods17:48
In this lecture, you will learn, the importance of analysis in instructional design. You will also learn about the audience analysis, performance gap analysis, and task analysis. In addition, different data collection methods and techniques will be covered in this lesson. At the end, we will go over the steps for conducting needs analysis to help you put everything in perspective.
Needs Analysis and Data Collection Methods
Learning Objectives12:05
In this lecture, you will learn about the role of learning objectives in course design and the A-B-C-D format of learning objectives. You will learn how to create SMART terminal and enabling objectives. In addition, the lecture will cover Bloom’s Taxonomy and learning domains and the five stages of understanding. The lecture will also cover the new approach to writing learning objectives.
Learning Objectives
Designing the Learning Experience: Gagné’s Nine Events of Instruction13:19
In this lecture, you will learn about Robert Gagné and his levels of learning. You will also learn about the Nine Events of Instruction and some of the presentation methods that can be used for each event.
Designing the Learning Experience
Creating a Design Document1:51
In this lecture, you will learn about creating a Design Document, specifically, the role of the design document, sections of the design document, and information that needs to be included in each section.
Creating a Design Document
Storyboarding9:15
In this lecture, you will learn about the origin of storyboarding and storyboarding components. You will also learn how to storyboard and prototype as well as the difference between storyboarding and prototyping.
Storyboarding
Scripting Your ELearning Course12:12
In this lecture, you will learn the basics of scriptwriting. You will also learn some of the plain language principles. In addition, you will learn about the Style Guide and how to create one for your eLearning needs.
Scripting Your ELearning Course
Quality Assurance1:42
In this lecture, you will learn about alpha, beta, and pilot testing your eLearning courses. You will also learn how to create a sample error log template and a checklist you can use for identifying errors.
Quality Assurance
Implementation11:41
In this lecture, you will learn how to implement your course. You will learn about both Learning Management System (LMS) and Content Management System (CMS). You will also learn about the guidelines for creating SCORM-compliant content and Reusable Learning Objects. In addition, Section 508 will be covered in this lecture.
Implementation
Evaluation8:50
In this lecture, you will learn about formative and summative evaluation, Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Evaluation, Application of Kirkpatrick’s model to eLearning courses, and the relationship between Needs Analysis and Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Evaluation. You will also learn about Level 5 evaluation: ROI model.
Evaluation
Assessments20:06
In this lecture, you will learn about the reasons for including assessments in eLearning courses and about validity and reliability of assessment items. You will also learn about the different types of assessment items and will practice writing effective assessment items. Lastly, in this lecture, you will learn about scoring assessments and providing corrective intrinsic and extrinsic feedback to your learners.
Assessments

Introduction to Section 30:36
This lecture will provide an overview of Section 3.
Interactivity in Your ELearning Course8:15
In this lecture, you will learn about interactivity in eLearning. Specifically, you will learn about the different types of eLearning interactions, the four levels of interactivity and which level of interactivity you should select for your courses. You will also learn about linear and non-linear navigation.
Interactivity in Your ELearning Course
Simulations and Games15:34
In this lecture, you will learn about the difference between games and simulations, types of learning games, and elements and structure of learning games. In addition, you will learn about creating a story for the learning game, games as assessments, and storytelling and scenario-based learning. Virtual world and avatars will also be covered in this lecture. Lastly, you will learn how to choose the right game for your eLearning course.
Simulations and Games
ELearning Authoring Tools15:29
In this lecture, you will learn about Adobe eLearning Suite authoring tools, Rapid eLearning tools, screencasting, screenshot capturing, and interactivity development tools.You will also learn how to choose the right tool for your specific needs.
ELearning Authoring Tools
Video in ELearning10:18
In this lecture, you will learn about the three types of videos in eLearning. You will also talk about selecting your talent. At the end, you'll learn how to create effective screencasts in eLearning.
Video in ELearning
Audio in ELearning4:40
In this lecture, you will learn about the role of audio in eLearning. You will also learn how to record audio narration, and what equipment you will need for your audio recording. Additionally, quality of audio and voice-over narration will be covered in this lecture.
Audio in ELearning
Graphics in ELearning14:23
In this lecture, you will learn about the benefits of adding graphics to eLearning courses. Additionally, you will learn about the types of visuals you can use in your courses, the seven types of graphics for eLearning, and also about the color theory and typography basics. Furthermore, you will be introduced to Ruth Clark’s visual design model and will learn about the common types of image files.
Graphics in ELearning

Introduction to Section 40:33
This lecture will provide an overview of Section 4.
Working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)8:24
In this lecture, you will learn about the roles and responsibilities of SMEs in course design. You will learn how to select information for the course and some of the ways to repurpose classroom materials. In addition, you will learn how to collect required content from SMEs and ways to communicate with them.
Working with SMEs
ELearning Project Management10:28
This lecture will cover the role of Instructional Designers as Project Managers, IPECC model for Project Management and some of the most common Project Management tools. You will also be introduced to the Agile Methodology.
ELearning Project Management
Job Aids9:25
In this lecture, you will learn about the role of job aids in eLearning courses and some of the reasons why you might include job aids in your lessons. You will also learn about the different types of job aids and the appropriate use of each type. At the end, you will be introduced to the Electronic Performance Support System, EPSS.
Job Aids
Web2.0 and Mobile Learning11:12
Web2.0, social and mobile learning will be covered in this lecture.
Web 2.0 and Mobile Learning
Agile ELearning3:00
In this lecture, you will learn about agile eLearning management and development.
Agile ELearning
Performance Improvement1:00
In this lecture, you will learn about various performance improvement interventions.
Performance Improvement
Summary3:08
This lecture will summarize all four sections/courses. You will also learn about the different presentation methods that you can use in your eLearning courses.
BONUS: Becoming an Instructional Designer- What does it take?15:00
This BONUS lecture contains an eBook titled Becoming Instructional Designer- What does it take? This eBook covers how to become an instructional designer and walks you through portfolio development.
Creating Effective Courses with AI0:07
Struggling to captivate learners and personalize training? This comprehensive guide unveils the L&D's secret weapon! Imagine generating learning objectives, lessons, assessments, and feedback in minutes, all tailored to individual needs!

Requirements

No prior instructional design experience is required
No specialized software or tools are required
Basic familiarity with online learning environments is helpful but not mandatory
An interest in designing, improving, or supporting online learning experiences

Description

Instructional design is at the core of effective eLearning.

Whether you are designing courses for higher education, corporate training, or professional learning, strong instructional design ensures that online learning is structured, engaging, and aligned with learning outcomes.

This course provides a clear, comprehensive introduction to instructional design for eLearning, covering the core principles, processes, and decision-making skills needed to design effective online courses.

It is designed for professionals working in real-world educational and training environments, where time, tools, and resources are often limited and where quality still matters.

Who this course is for

Instructional designers (new or aspiring)
Faculty and educators transitioning courses to online or hybrid formats
eLearning developers and training professionals
Anyone responsible for designing or improving online learning experiences

What you’ll learn

The core principles of instructional design for eLearning
How to analyze learners, goals, and instructional context
How to structure online courses for clarity and learning effectiveness
How to design meaningful learning activities and assessments
How instructional design models are applied in practice
How to collaborate effectively with subject-matter experts and stakeholders
How emerging tools, including AI, can support instructional design decisions responsibly

This course focuses on instructional thinking and design judgment, not on specific tools or software that quickly become outdated.

You’ll gain a solid foundation in instructional design that you can apply across a wide range of eLearning and online course contexts.

Why this course

Broad, foundational approach to instructional design
Applicable across higher education, corporate training, and professional learning
Focuses on principles and process, not trends
Suitable for beginners while still valuable for experienced professionals

This course is ideal if you want a reliable, structured introduction to instructional design for eLearning that you can build on as your role or responsibilities grow.

Who this course is for:

Beginners who are new to instructional design
Educators or trainers transitioning to online or hybrid learning
Professionals responsible for designing or improving eLearning courses

Instructional Design for eLearning (Updated 2026)

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Course content

Instructional Design Basics6 lectures • 50min

Designing Instructionally Sound ELearning Courses11 lectures • 1hr 50min

Interactive ELearning7 lectures • 1hr 9min

Advancing Your Instructional Design Skills10 lectures • 1hr 2min

Requirements

Description

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