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Subject:RE: How to become an Instructional Designer? From:"Wilson, Dennis" <Dennis -dot- Wilson -at- spirentcom -dot- com> To:"Steven Baratz" <sbaratz -at- mindspring -dot- com>, <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Thu, 13 Apr 2006 09:30:03 -0700
I recommend you seek employment in a "training" environment, using your teaching credential to gain entry. Training activities often include curriculum development / instructional design components. Also, network with your nearest ASTD chapter.
My own path to technical writing was via teaching ESL, to training, to curriculum development (per ISD approach), to writing repair/retrofit instructions for limited-English technicians.
Dennis Wilson
Spirent Communications
Calabasas, CA
-----Original Message-----
From: Steven Baratz [mailto:sbaratz -at- mindspring -dot- com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2006 1:11 PM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: How to become an Instructional Designer?
I have been reading this list for a few months while looking into the
fields of technical writing and instructional design, and I am
leaning toward the latter. There seems to be quite a bit of
"crossover" between these fields, but I'm more interested in
multimedia and education than in developing help systems and "how-to"
manuals.
I have a recent teaching credential but I would prefer to design
instructional materials rather than lead a classroom. I could develop
corporate training or K-12 educational curriculum/activities; I am
open to possibilities. Prior to becoming a teacher I was a web
designer/developer and photographer.
Sure, I could go back to school and get an M.A. in Instructional
Technologies. I was enrolled in a program before I went for the
teaching credential, but I'd much rather work, for many reasons. Work
experience far outweighs academic experience in practical terms,
although degrees can open doors...
How to get around the old Catch-22, that it takes experience to get experience?
What are roads, traditional or otherwise, to become an Instructional Designer?
Is there such a thing as an "entry-level" job?
What type of "samples" can reasonably be expected?
Does one need to choose one field over another: Tech. Writing "vs."
Instructional Design?
Ideas and suggestions, relevant personal experience and advice are
all appreciated.
best-
sbb
--
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Steven Baratz Creative Services
(415) 863-3353 tel/fax
(415) 378-2458 cel http://sbaratz.home.mindspring.com
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"Here's something to think about:
How come you never see a headline like
`Psychic Wins Lottery'?" -- Jay Leno
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