Instructional Design Courses, Certificates or Programs

[Christopher Pappas]

Currently the job market for instructional design is strong and appears to be growing. Several Universities, Colleges, Organization offers instructional design courses, certificates or programs.

Have you ever attend in an instructional design course, certificates or program?

Did it worth it?

Based on a research that I did one month ago, I find the following certificates, has anyone of you attend anyone of these? What is your opinion about them?

ASTD (E-Learning Instructional Design Certificate)

Washington State University (Instructional Design Certificate)

Athabasca University (Instructional Design Certificate)

[Shari Ward]

Hi, Christopher! I took my first and only "formal" training in instructional design from a company called Langevin Learning Services, and I loved it! I believe they now have a certificate program.

What I like about their training is that it involves a lot of practice, and they share forms and templates with you, which is very helpful.

That's my two cents. Thanks for asking!

Shari :-)

[Christopher Pappas]

Hi, Shari,

Thank you very much for sharing this information. Can you please post the link of the Langevin Learning Services. Also, how much did you pay for the "formal" training? Did it worth it?

Best Regards,
Christopher Pappas

[Shawn]

Purdue University actually offers a Masters degree in E-learning, or something very closely related. I know someone who went through the program and found a very good job almost immediately upon finishing his degree.

[Christopher Pappas]

Hi Shawn,

Feel free to give us more information about the program. Could you please post the link for the program?

Keep in touch,
Christopher

[Elizabeth Wolfe]

I am currently pursuing ASTD's CPLP certification. This differs from certificate programs such that ... well, you get to put CPLP after your name!

In all seriousness, according to ASTD:

"The Certified Professional in Learning & Performance (CPLP™) offered by the ASTD Certification Institute offers workplace learning and performance (WLP) professionals an opportunity to enhance credibility and prove value in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The credential is two parts, the first is a knowledge based exam and the second, the submission of a work product reviewed by a panel of experts in the field. Individuals who pass both parts earn the right to use the CPLP™ designation that signifies they have met rigorous requirements and are certified."

I just passed the knowledge exam last week...it was tough! The work product is even tougher, but definately worth the time and commitment. All in all, this is a program worth engaging in for those ID professionals who've been in the field 5+ years and may not have the Master's or whatnot to 'back up' their credentials.

If anyone has specific questions about the CPLP, I'm happy to do my best in answering them!

[Christopher Pappas]

Hi Elizabeth,

Thank you very much for the info.
I know that CPLP has specific materials to read in order to take the exams, did you read them? If yes, do you believe that they helped you to pass the exams?

Do you believe that with the CPLP certification are you more marketable?

Thanks,
Christopher

[Elizabeth Wolfe]

There is a 9-book series that ASTD put together for self-study purposes (at the steep price of $450). It's worth reading, but I don't believe that is what helped me with the exam. Instead, I recommend spending the $40 for the quiz CD so you learn how to take the test (in other words, it 'trains' you on how to answer questions the ASTD way).

I hope this makes me more marketable! Only time will tell...

[Linda Morosko]

As part of my Master's degree in Instructional Technology, I took several instructional design courses and there were a cadre of courses I took that earned me an E-Learning Certificate in addition to my diploma. I graduated from The University of Akron.

[Christopher Pappas]

Hey that is great!

I study at Bowling Green State University.

Do they have Instructional Design program at University of Akron?

Have a wonderful day,
Christopher

[Brenda Boyd]

Yes! I attended Capella University where I earned my M.S. in Education with a specialization in Instructional Design for Online Learning. I was at an advantage, however, as I had been creating online courses for Sinclair Community College for several years before I started the Master's program.
Athabasca University is regarded as a leader in distance education; they have an excellent reputation!
Brenda

[Renee Wittenberg]

Hi Christopher, I received my Masters in Instructional Design and Development from Saint Cloud State University in Minnesota. ( MS degree in Education) I know they have some certificate programs too and I think they are putting the Master's Degree Program on line. Check them out at ... http://www.stcloudstate.edu/cim/graduate/track3/default.asp

Track 3 is dealing with Instructional Design/ track 2 is school media.

I also took an online elearning course from Georgia University.

Renee

[Christopher Pappas]

Hi Renee,

I checked the web-based. It seems that the program is great!!! Why they do not have and an Ed.D or a Ph.D.>?

Have a wonderful day,
Christopher