Sunday, November 6, 2011
Do Instructional Designers Need A Degree?
This blog surveyed back in 2009 showed that 60% do not have a degree, 38% have a graduate degree in Instructional Design and 1% unspecified. There is an on going debate within the US instructional design community as to whether a degree is needed to be most effective in this field. Having a solid foundation in learning theory and cognitive science enables the designer to adapt learning strategies to varied audiences and content. On the other hand, there are degree instructional designers who create poor learning products (Malamed, 2011). http://theelearningcoach.com
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Perhaps what is the most important is that the instructional designer is a self-did act. That the designer is motivated to read cognitive psychology, instructional design and eLearning text books, trade books, journals and blogs. That the person takes advantage of tutorials, podcasts and certification, programs. That he or she can learn something in a completely different field and transfer this knowledge to instructional design. As professionals in a learning field, we should be able to get the knowledge needed to fill our gaps as well as to grow and expand (Malamed, 2011).
ReplyDeleteI think that when a person is trying to obtain a degree they should be able to have some volunteer time to assist with the degree. So when they graduate they will not be running into the situation of not having experience but have a degree. I went through this problem when I received my bachelors in Psychology. I also think that when a person decides to make a career they should be more enthusiastic to maintain the information as well as learn new information to better help their career and their learners. Maintaining your education can always have a great impact on the future. If a person does not have a degree I do not believe that they should be punished for it if they have the experience needed to maintain the job. But they should be required to obtain a degree or attend workshops just so they can be up to date.
ReplyDeleteThis is an issue that can be debated in any field. The degreed vs. non-degreed.....both at a disadvantaged. In my opinion, a degree is a physical representation that merely states that a person has been educated in definitions, theories, methodologies, strategies, etc.; the foundatial pieces of that field. Employers love to see those degrees or certifications on paper but become hesistant to hire when there is no experience. Then you have the person with experience but no degree. They are trained with a hands-on approach, but lack the foundational pieces necessary. But with internet, those foundational pieces that once were attainable by attending university now appears everywhere on the internet. But still they are at a disadvantage. There is no physical manifestation that employers can see that states they have this knowledge. Degreed and non-degreed must stay proactive in their situation. During their studies, students seeking degrees can intern or work temporarily to earn experience. In the same token, the non-degreed person can beign taking classes to further enhance their skill set and eventually get a degree. Still the question is,who will perform the job effectively? Thats the risk the employer will take.
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