Learning Innovations Designers

High School

LIDs need to be top-notch communicators, so take speech, English, writing, and foreign language classes. Technology plays an important role in this career, so be sure to take digital design, computer science, and software development courses. Learning innovations designers create and improve educational presentations and methods that focus on a variety of fields. As a result, it’s a good idea to take a wide range of classes including those in mathematics, social studies, business, psychology, chemistry, physics, and biology.

Postsecondary Education

Learning innovations designers typically have a minimum of a master’s degree in instructional design and technology, educational technology, education, curriculum development, learning science, or information science. Some schools offer specialized learning opportunities. For example, Harvard University offers a master’s degree in learning design, innovation, and technology. Colorado State University offers a graduate degree specialization in online learning innovation and design. The specialization will be a good fit for anyone who teaches adult learners online, or who designs online learning curricula for adults.

It’s possible that someone can enter this field with a bachelor’s degree in one of the aforementioned majors, but your chances of landing a job and being considered for positions at prestigious employers will be better if you have a graduate degree.

Certification

Colleges and universities offer certificates in learning technology leadership and innovation; e-learning design, development, and delivery; instructional design and technology; education; educational technology; curriculum development; learning science; information science; and related fields. Online, in-person, and hybrid options are available. Contact schools in your area to learn more.

The Association for Talent Development offers certificates in instructional design, blended learning, training and facilitation, writing for instructional design and training, learning technologies, and other areas. Visit https://www.td.org for more information.

Other Education or Training

Webinars and in-person classes and workshops are offered by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Association for Talent Development, The Learning Guild, Instructional Technology Council, Learning Forward, Quality Matters, and associations at the local and state levels. Additional learning opportunities are provided by online learning platforms and colleges and universities.