Instructional Designers as Changemakers

“What is an instructional designer?”

“What do you do?”

I hear these questions repeatedly when I introduce myself as an instructional designer. In the simplest of terms, I consider myself a changemaker. I provide support and guidance to instructors to make changes, which could be to curriculum, instruction, or course sites. These changes are designed to improve student performance, motivation, and retention. Through these changes, I also promote research-based ideas and innovations to increase the accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion of courses and programs. After reading the article Instructional Designers as Institutional Change Agents published in Fall 2023 by EDUCAUSE, I couldn’t be prouder of being a member of the instructional design field. The article showcases the many hats that instructional designers wear in higher education and how they “facilitate behavioral changes and improve performance” at their universities (Bond, et al., 2023). I would encourage you to take a moment to read this article and learn more about the roles that instructional designers play in higher education.

You might be wondering how instructional designers can help you make changes at UIC to impact student outcomes. The Instructional Design and Media Production Studio (IDMPS), also known as The Studio, has a team of instructional designers that are available for online consultations, course reviews, and design projects. You can schedule free online consultations with an instructional designer to discuss the changes you want to make to curriculum, instruction, and courses. These online consultations can be scheduled for 25 minutes or 50 minutes Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm CST.

The instructional design team at The Studio also facilitates workshops in partnership with CATE and LTS. This spring, the instructional design team will provide UIC instructors with workshops on creating inclusive course materials, generative AI tools, authentic assessments, and backward design. The Studio will also launch its first Instructional Innovations Design Lab focused on AI for Teaching and Learning. Please visit the Instructional Design Services on The Studio’s website to learn more about the other services and resources offered.

The instructional design team at The Studio is ready to support you in making changes that positively impact students. If you’re ready, schedule a free consultation, attend a workshop, or sign up for the two-day design lab. We are here to help you be a changemaker.