Series 1: Workbook 1D Companion Course
Instructional Design Tools and Technologies
Course Description
Instructional design today is inseparable from technology. Whether you are developing a short eLearning module, building a course inside a Learning Management System (LMS), or designing a collaborative activity using cloud-based tools, your effectiveness as a designer depends on knowing what tools are available, how they work, and how to choose the right one for the job.
In this workbook, you’ll explore:
Common instructional design tools, including authoring platforms, LMSs, collaboration apps, and media creation software.
Technology integration strategies that align with learning objectives and enhance the learner experience.
Best practices for accessibility, engagement, and data security when using technology for learning.
Practical skills in creating interactive content with tools like H5P, Genially, or Canva.
Companion Course 1D
Chapters
Select a chapter tile below to read the content and complete the activities.
Chapter 1
Exploring Instructional Design Tools
Authoring tools are the backbone of digital course creation. They allow instructional designers to take ideas, storyboards, and learning objectives and transform them into interactive modules, lessons, and activities that can be delivered online. This chapter will present a variety of tools designers use.
Chapter 2
Integrating Technology in Design
Selecting the right technology tool is one of the most important decisions an instructional designer makes. The wrong choice can frustrate learners, waste resources, or create unnecessary barriers. The right choice, on the other hand, aligns with learning objectives, supports the learner experience, and makes the design process smoother.
Chapter 3
Best Practices for Technology-Enhanced Learning
A course may look visually impressive, but if a learner cannot use a screen reader to access the content, or if captions are missing from a video, that learner is excluded. You will learn to plan from the beginning to create learning experiences that welcome all learners, regardless of ability, background, or context.
Chapter 4
Creating Interactive Content
Interactivity is one of the most powerful advantages of digital learning. Unlike traditional lectures or printed materials, digital tools allow learners to actively engage with the content, make decisions, and receive feedback in real time. When used well, interactive content helps learners move from passive consumption to active participation, which increases both motivation and retention.
Chapter 5
Developing a Technology Integration Plan
Instructional design always begins with learning objectives. Technology is not the starting point; it is the means to achieve those objectives. When instructional designers focus on tools first, they risk creating activities that look impressive but fail to help learners meet the intended outcomes. Aligning technology with instructional goals ensures that every tool serves a purpose in advancing learning.