http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/what-everybody-ought-to-know-about-instructional-design/
This blog gives a thorough explanation of an instructional designer. It explains that the role of the instructional designer creates the learning forum that introduces any new information to the student. Five points of interest are given:
1. Its more than putting new information in front of learners.
2. Clear goals are set that gets the learners focused on the right things.
3. It provides perspective and context.
4. it compresses the learnign process and saves time.
5. It engages learners with clear and meaningful content.
http://blog.cathy-moore.com/2011/08/are-instructional-designers-doormats/
Simply written, it explores the question: are instructional designers doormats? The writer details a scenario when she was asked to design a course based on a system that she wasnt familiar with. After much time and effort, the course was created but at a large expense and not neccesarily only to the firm. Ms. Moore explains that we can not create based on things we do not know. When we create learning systems that are simply information dumps, we are doing a disservice. It is our duty as instructional designers that we create forums that enhance performance or improves a process. We should not stand by as doormats being subservant to the needs of our clients when it doesnt serve a purpose.
http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/10-tips-to-help-you-get-started/
All new instructional designers will need help "getting their feet wet" in the industry. Although we will learn various techniques and strategies as we complete our degree, it will imperative that we have some real world experience upon entering the workforce. As many instructional designers are teachers by trade, it is essential that we be able to transfer these skills. This blog gives soem great tidbits.
Being computer savvy is very important. Being able to manipulate computer programs to create learning experiences will be mandatory. Dont create learning portals that are meaningless; however, design forums that are relevant to the learners and presents information that they will use. Create a learning site that will appeal to the student. Using grapics and sounds that will pull the learner in is key.
This site provided me with information that I needed. Its explanantions provides clarity to much of the information learned in the course.
