Differences between Instructional Design and Technical Writing
Differences between Instructional Writing and Technical Writing
There are emails from several people employed in different fields like journalism, training, Web content design and writing asking me if there are institutions offering formal training in Instructional Design. I will try to provide answers for some of the queries on this page.
Let me take up the first issue: Differences between ID and Technical Writing
It would be interesting to begin with an example. Let�s go back and think of the �User Help� feature that comes with MS Word. I�m sure most of us have used it when we are in doubt about using a certain feature in Word. We might have used it for exploring a new functionality say, in advanced features of editing a document. This kind of use of the �Help� is usually search-based and highly contextual. In fact most of us use the �Help� feature as a reference tool, when we encounter a problem. We don�t intend to really �learn� something as we would have done from a textbook or any other kind of learning material.
In fact, the any Help document or User Manual is not overtly designed for learning. It�s is designed to provide information on features and functions of a product. Learning is mostly incidental and it may not be sustained as it�s not attached to a learning goal.
Now compare this with a scenario where you enroll for a course on using MS Word for preparing effective documents. The fact that this is a �course� ensures that you go through a learning program that is intended to enhance your knowledge and skill in using Word. In addition to learning about features and functions you may go through several demos on how it works and try using the product once you complete the training or e-learning course.
Typically, User Help documentation is prepared by Technical Writers and training and e-learning courses are designed and written by Instructional Designers.
Design facilitates successful learning
Self learning and formal training in Instructional Design
Career path for Instructional Designers
Newspaper clipping from my interview in Hindustan Times
Certificate course in Instructional Design from Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning.
PG Diploma course in Instructional Design from Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning.
Instructional Design Course from SNDT University, Mumbai.
Instructional Design Training in Bangalore.