Introduction
Instructional design is a vital discipline for anyone creating impactful learning experiences, whether in corporate training, education, or beyond. This collection features resources that blend theory, research, and practical guidance to help instructional designers, educators, and leaders create learning solutions that truly resonate with their audiences.
From foundational books like Design for How People Learn and Map It to blogs and podcasts offering ongoing insights, these sources provide tools and strategies for crafting learner-centered, goal-oriented designs. Whether you're new to instructional design or an experienced professional looking to deepen your practice, you'll find inspiration and actionable advice here.
Podcasts
The eLearning Coach
Connie Malamed
Why you might like it
Malamed’s blog provides numerous helpful resources. I'm especially fond of her podcast. Each episode, Malamed interviews experts from various facets of learning and development.
Books
Design for How People Learn
Julie Dirksen
Why you might like it
This book was one of my early introductions to behavioural science. Dirksen walks readers through the process of identifying and meeting the goals of your learning design.
E-Learning and the Science of Instruction
Ruth Colvin Clark and Richard E. Mayer
Why you might like it
I consider this book critical reading for instructional designers. Clark and Mayer discuss findings from research that can inform the design of courses in a way that provides practical takeaways.
Developing Curriculum for Deep Thinking
Tim Surma et al.
Why you might like it
This open-access book explores how knowledge-rich, coherent, and clear curricula promote deep thinking and learning equity, with practical examples from real schools.
Guides
Jane Bozarth (Learning Guild Research)
Why you might like it
Jane Bozarth regularly publishes research, studies, and discussions as part of her role as the director of research for the Learning Guild.