I started a discussion in the Linkedin group of the Instructional Designers Community of India and the response has been very good so far.
Here is what I think on the topic of discussion:
Today Instructional Designers need to have good knowledge about technology to do well in their jobs. Instructional Designing is not just about applying methodologies and designing strategies.
For example take the following scenarios:
Scenario 1: An Instructional Designer is working on mobile learning. Now isn’t it important for the Instructional Designer to understand the mobile phone interface design before he/she creates any kind of learning material for a mobile phone?
Scenario 2: An Instructional Designer is creating training material for an ERP application. Isn’t it mandatory for the Instructional Designer to understand what is ERP and how it works?
Scenario 3: An Instructional Designer is working on a game based e-learning course. Isn’t it crucial that the Instructional Designer understands what kind of game functionalities will work and can be implemented and what is not possible?
Without being tech savvy, without having a flair for technology it is difficult for Instructional Designers to execute such projects.
What do you think?
Nice theme
I think knowing technology (like ERP and other software applications) and rapid e-learning tools are must.
Its good if ID is good with basic image editing, but yes full-time work on imagery tools like Photoshop is a no-no.