Virtual Instructional Design Certificate

• The Role of Adult Learning Theories

• Learning Models and Memory

• Human Performance Improvement (HPI)

• Instructional Design Model

• Introduction to the ADDIE Model

• The Five Phases of ADDIE

• Using ADDIE on the Job

• Definition and Value of a Needs Assessment

• Six Steps of a Needs Assessment

• Three Levels of Needs Assessment

• Data Collection Techniques

• Defining Outcomes and Objectives

• Behavioral Outcomes

• Learning Objectives

• Techniques for Writing Learning Objectives

• Instructional Modality Options

• Basic Course Design

• Course Map Plan and Modules

Adapting instructional design skills for the virtual learning environment is necessary because online platforms present a range of unique challenges and opportunities that differ from traditional in-person training. In a virtual classroom, instructional designers can’t rely on physical cues or spontaneous adjustments based on face-to-face interactions—they must anticipate learner needs, create engaging experiences upfront, and design activities and educational content that encourage participation and knowledge transfer remotely.

• Apply learning theories and models, the steps of ADDIE, and the needs assessment process to virtual learning events.

• Identify behavioral outcomes and create learning objectives for virtual learning events.

• Apply the elements of the course design process, as well as design, curate, and develop content for virtual learning environments.

• Identify design thinking and rapid prototyping techniques for virtual course design activities.

• Apply various methods of course and process evaluation to your virtual course design activities.

• Determine your level of future readiness in virtual instructional design and develop a plan for continued learning.

• Use actionable best practices for virtual instructional design to create online and blended learning experiences.

• Engage learners by applying instructional design principles and tactics to instructor-led online environments.

• Gain access to a collection of more than 20 tools and templates you can use in your own practice.

• Apply your new knowledge and skills on an authentic learning project for virtual instruction and receive feedback from an ATD expert facilitator.

• Create a personal action plan to hold yourself accountable for applying what you have learned.

• Earn an industry-recognized certificate, continuing education credits, and an ATD digital badge to share with your networks.

Developed for participants new to instructional design or for those who want to gain a comprehensive skill set for designing virtual instructor-led online learning for adult learners, this certificate program covers the entirety of the Instructional Design Capability of the Talent Development Model.

This program is appropriate for those early in their career or making a career shift. This may include instructional designers, independent consultants, professional trainers or facilitators, or training coordinators who are interested in designing digital learning for the virtual classroom.

Creating engagement in an online course in the virtual classroom demands proficiency with a wider set of tools, including collaborative whiteboards, breakout rooms, interactive polls, and multimedia elements.

The effectiveness of learning design for online environments often depends on adapting content for virtual and blended learning experiences, building scenarios relevant for diverse adult learners, and ensuring that the learning objectives and overall experience remain practical and outcome focused.