The document discusses preparing for a career in instructional systems design (ISD). It outlines potential ISD job titles and fields, common knowledge, skills, and abilities for ISD jobs, and typical education and experience requirements. The knowledge, skills, and abilities include understanding learning theories, instructional design models, and technologies. Most ISD jobs require a master's degree in education or instructional design and 3-5 years of experience developing online instruction.
Preparing for a Career in ISD - Kevin M. Schneider
1. Preparing for a
Career in
Instructional
Systems Design
(ISD)
Kevin M. Schneider, University of Maryland,
Baltimore County (UMBC), LAPT 602 -
Instructional Systems Development, 09/23/2023
2. Mini-Professional
Development Plan
Education &
Experience
Potential ISD Jobs
KSAs (Knowledge,
Skills, and Abilities)
KSAs (Knowledge,
Skills, and Abilities)
Kevin M. Schneider, University of
Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC),
LAPT 602 - Instructional Systems
Development, 09/23/2023
3. As stated in Braxton, Sherri, et al. “Instructional System Design (ISD): Using the ADDIE Model.”:
“Instructional design aims for a learner-centered rather than the traditional teacher-centered approach to
instruction, so that effective learning can take place. This means that every component of the instruction is
governed by the learning outcomes, which have been determined after a thorough analysis of the learners’
needs.”¹
Instructional Systems Design (ISD) can be considered under many different job titles, as researched through
O*Net Online², Indeed³, & CareerBuilder₄, including, but not limited to:
● Instructional Systems Designer, Instructional Systems Specialist, Instructional Designer, Instructional Technologist,
Learning Development Specialist, Curriculum Specialist, Education Specialist, Curriculum Coordinator, Curriculum
Director, Learning & Development Instructional Designer, Learning Experience Designer
These ISD positions can be found in a variety of fields and working with different companies, such as:
● Education (Higher Ed Institutions, Online K-12)
● Government (Military branches, Federal/Local government)
● Corporations - Large & Small Businesses, Human Resources, etc.
Potential ISD
Jobs
Kevin M. Schneider, University of
Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC),
LAPT 602 - Instructional Systems
Development, 09/23/2023
5. According to O*Net Online², which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, and multiple job search engines (Indeed³, CareerBuilder₄), the common
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs) for ISD jobs are:
Knowledge:
● Adult learning theories, methods, strategies including the ADDIE model, evaluation methodologies such as the Kilpatrick Model
● Lectora, Articulate Storyline, Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Camtasia, Teachable, Adobe Creative Cloud/Products (Captivate, Photoshop,
Lightroom, Illustrator, After Effects)
● Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as: Blackboard, Canvas, Google Classroom, Moodle, etc.
● Section 508 Standards Compliance
Skills:
● Analytical leadership skills
● Complex problem solving
● Create and conduct training evaluations and learner needs analyses, both formative and summative
● Active listening to clients
● Designing and writing help systems, instructor guides, and student guide
● Monitoring/assessing performance
● Create storyboards that adhere to applicable style guidelines and standards per client
Abilities:
● Communicate complex ideas effectively
● Write effective instructional text and audio/video scripts
● Written/oral comprehension
● Deductive reasoning
● High attention to detail
● Ability to work well independently and as an active design team member
KSAs (Knowledge,
Skills, and Abilities)
Kevin M. Schneider, University of
Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC),
LAPT 602 - Instructional Systems
Development, 09/23/2023
7. The common Education & Experience requirements for ISD jobs are, as researched²³₄:
Education:
● Most ISD-related job descriptions require a minimum: M.A./M.S. Master’s degree in education
curriculum and instruction, learning design and technology, human resources development, online
education, or instructional design
● Every once in a while there are jobs with a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in the field required,
but the preferred qualification is still a Master’s Degree for almost all positions
Experience:
● The common years of experience is 3-5 years of professional experience in an academic and/or
corporate environment, designing and developing online instruction
● With the majority of positions requiring 5+ years of direct field experience, with some higher
positions requiring 7-10+ years of experience.
Education &
Experience
Kevin M. Schneider, University of
Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC),
LAPT 602 - Instructional Systems
Development, 09/23/2023
9. Self-Assessment: I currently obtain experience/knowledge of LMS such as Blackboard (through my time as a student during
undergrad/graduate studies. I have and am currently working with Canvas (LMS) in my professional career and creating
training modules for my employees/colleagues on our processes/programs. I have experience as a teacher, mostly teacher-led
instruction, and will look to gain more experience through self-directed/andragogy based learning/facilitation. I currently obtain
a B.S. in Physical/Health Education (K-12 certified), which is lacking for most ISD careers. My editing/storyboard skills have not
been obtained yet as well. Most of the missing components for me to be well-qualified in an ISD position would be related to
Knowledge and Skills.
Goals: I would like to learn the instructional models and andragogy practices, as well as how to use the many technology
softwares/programs, by way of University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s (UMBC) Learning & Performance Technology
(LAPT) program. This will also allow me to obtain my Master of Arts Degree which will allow me to be qualified for ISD
positions in the future.
Action Plan: I am currently in the process of completing UMBC’s M.A. in LAPT as I have just started my first 2 courses this
Fall 2023 semester. I would like to have this M.A. completed between 2026-2027, depending on 1-2 courses per semester. In
addition, obtaining the Graduate Certificates along the way. Throughout this time, I would like to apply the skills I learn into my
current career and continue to develop learning experiences for my direct employees/colleagues in higher education. After
obtaining my M.A. in LAPT, starting with contracted entry-level ISD positions to work on specific projects, seems feasible and a
smart plan to obtain some experience applicable to future long-term ISD positions.
Mini-Professional
Development
Plan
Kevin M. Schneider, University of
Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC),
LAPT 602 - Instructional Systems
Development, 09/23/2023
10. References
¹Braxton, Sherri, et al. “Instructional System Design (ISD): Using the ADDIE Model.” Purdue
University - Library, Purdue University, 23 Sept. 2000,
www.lib.purdue.edu/sites/default/files/directory/butler38/ADDIE.pdf. Accessed 23 Sept. 2023
²O*Net Online. “25-9031.00 - Instructional Coordinators.” O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor,
Employment & Training Administration, and developed by the National Center for O*NET
Development, Site Updated 29 Aug. 2023, www.onetonline.org/link/details/25-9031.00. Accessed 23
Sept. 2023.
³Indeed. “Instructional Systems Designer Jobs, Employment | Indeed.Com.” Indeed.com,
www.indeed.com/q-Instructional-Systems-Designer-jobs.html. Accessed 23 Sept. 2023.
₄CareerBuilder. “Instructional Systems Designer Jobs - Apply Now | CareerBuilder.”
CareerBuilder.com, www.careerbuilder.com/jobs-instructional-systems-designer. Accessed 23 Sept.
2023.
Contact
Kevin M. Schneider
kevinschneider.edu@gmail.com
Kevin M. Schneider, University of
Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC),
LAPT 602 - Instructional Systems
Development, 09/23/2023
