

Virtual Instructional Design Certificate
Design engaging training for the virtual classroom.
Use intentional and thoughtful instructional design practices to design virtual learning events that engage and motivate learners to apply new skills and knowledge on the job.
Intentional and thoughtful instructional design is necessary for successful virtual learning events. Well-designed virtual experiences (specifically, instructor-led synchronous experiences), supported by well-designed materials, keep learners motivated and engaged throughout the learning experience.
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Intentional and thoughtful instructional design is necessary for successful virtual learning events. Well-designed virtual experiences (specifically, instructor-led synchronous experiences), supported by well-designed materials, keep learners motivated and engaged throughout the learning experience.
An effective instructional design process follows a system of assessing needs, designing a process, developing materials, and evaluating effectiveness. Creating programs for a virtual platform is no different. Core Instructional design fundamentals require the analysis and selection of the most appropriate strategies, methodologies, and technologies to maximize the learning experience and knowledge transfer—whether you are converting a face-to-face classroom course or designing for a virtual delivery from the beginning.
Aligned to the instructional design capability of the Talent Development Capability Model, this virtual instructional design certificate program will provide you with more than 20 ATD-exclusive tools and templates and the opportunity to practice using them on a flexible, authentic learning project. Your project allows you to demonstrate your new skills in writing effective learning objectives, outlining a virtual learning event, and more.
Why You Should Attend:
- Cover actionable best practices for virtual instructional design.
- 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.
- 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.
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Virtual Instructional Design Certificate Brochure
Download the brochure to learn everything you need to know about this course.
- The Role of Adult Learning Theories
- Learning Models and Memory
- Human Performance Improvement (HPI)
- Instructional Design Models
- 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
- What Are Instructional Methods?
- Instructional Method Options and Considerations
- Selecting Delivery Media and Technology
- Curation of Existing Content
- Using SMEs in Instructional Design
- The Two Major Categories of Learning
- Levels of Learning Considerations
- Techniques for Structuring Content
- Considerations for Structuring Content
- Designing Learning Materials With the Learner in Mind
- Techniques for Developing Learning Materials
- A Closer Look at Design
- Designing Materials to Assess Learning
- How Design Thinking Can Improve Instructional Design
- Applying Design Thinking to Instructional Design
- Rapid Methodologies and Prototyping
- Implementing and Evaluating
- Evaluating Talent Development Solutions
- Evaluation Methodologies
- Creating Evaluation Instruments
- Creating an Evaluation Plan
Developed for participants new to instructional design or for those who want to gain a comprehensive skill set for designing virtual instructor-led learning, this certificate programs covers the entirety of the instructional design capability.
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.
ATD Education programs are designed primarily for learning professionals—trainers, instructional designers, and organization development practitioners—but also benefit anyone responsible for developing others, from managers to human resources specialists.
"The course materials are well designed and very practical. The checklists and job aids will be very useful in designing instructional design programs. The program followed best practices in adult learning and focused on practical application. The activities were well designed and respectful of my professional experience and my time."
"The program was very interactive and keeps your attention. Each session was broken down nicely. Great intro to the world of design."

"My favorite part of the program was learning the ins and outs of the ADDIE model and immediately applying my new knowledge to my current workload. I especially enjoyed the intersession work because it allowed me to work one-on-one with the facilitator and receive feedback on my current work projects from an expert in instructional design. It was an invaluable resource for me to reflect on my current work and improve as a new instructional designer. I would recommend this program because Barbara Greenstein, my facilitator, kept me engaged and provided timely, helpful feedback, and the course content was immediately transferable to my job as a content designer."
Things to Know
ATTENDANCE
For full-day face-to-face and live online programs, participation in all originally scheduled days of the program, including both face-to-face and live online formats, is mandatory in order to receive the certificate of completion and CEUs. Participants who miss more than two hours of the entire program will not be eligible to receive the certificate. Participants who fulfill the attendance requirement will receive a certificate at the end of the program.
For multi-week, live online programs with five or more sessions, one missed live session can be made up by listening to the session recording in full. Participants who miss more than one live session will not be eligible to receive the certificate. To be marked complete for that one session, please email [email protected]. For programs with four or fewer sessions, attendance at all live sessions is required to receive a certificate. All sessions will be recorded and available for participants to review throughout the program for your reference.
ATD requires active participation throughout the program to receive credit. Active participation in live online sessions includes, but is not limited to, participating in virtual classroom activities, discussions, breakout sessions, and intersession work. Please note that using a tablet or mobile device significantly limits your ability to fully and actively participate.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, a certificate will be issued to you through the ATD Learning Platform at the end of the program.
CREDITS
21.0 learning hours
2.1 CEUs awarded
This program is eligible for 21.0 professional development hours or recertification points from the ATD Certification Institute (ATD CI) for the APTD or CPTD credential.
This program has been approved for 21.0 (General) recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR, and GPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute.
This program is valid for 21.0 PDCs for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit shrm.org/certification.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
A laptop computer with Wi-Fi capability is required for both face-to-face and online programs. Please do not bring mobile devices (phones, tablets, etc.) in lieu of a laptop. There will be no computers available on-site for participants. Note: You might not have an optimal experience if you are using Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge to access your courses. Chrome is the recommended browser.
ATD LEARNING PORTAL
Enrolled in a program? Sign in to the ATD Learning Portal with your ATD account credentials two weeks before the first day of class to:
- Engage with your facilitator and peers.
- Access pre-work assignments.
- View any technical requirements.
- Review logistical information.
TRANSFERS/CANCELLATIONS
Click here to review our cancellation policy.
ATD HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY
View our health protocols for in-person courses.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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