Separating Substance from Hype

As an Instructional Designer (ID) since 2004, I've had the privilege of working with designers across various industries and organizations. Over time, I've come to realize that maintaining objectivity in our work is more crucial than ever.

However, a trend has emerged on most popular Instructional Design YouTube channels: touting 'expert' advice in the guise of selling products, certifications, or services that promise to revolutionize instructional design. But what's driving this trend? Is it a desire to genuinely improve the field, or is it about making money off their seemingly ever-increasing influence? The truth is many of these experts prioritize profit over education and knowledge-sharing. This not only undermines the credibility of our profession but also creates a missed opportunity for genuine growth and collaboration.

Let's take a closer look at Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Instructional Design. While AI has the potential to greatly benefit our work, some information channels have resorted to using scare tactics to spread panic to only then sell 'solutions' that are little more than shallow gimmicks. These solutions often require significant upfront investment and may not deliver promised results. The reality is that AI is still a developing technology, and its applications in Instructional Design are just beginning to emerge. While AI can analyze large datasets, recognize patterns, and make predictions, we must be cautious not to overestimate its capabilities. For instance, an AI system may be able to recommend learning paths or identify areas where learners need extra support, but it will not replace the critical work of human Instructional Designers. Moreover, many 'AI-powered' solutions are built on technology that is not tested for use in the field of Instructional Design. They often rely on generic, one-size-fits-all approaches for creating a mass-marketable solution.

To approach AI with a critical eye, we must consider its potential risks and limitations, as well as its benefits. We should use it in a way that complements our human expertise, rather than replacing it.

So, what are the potential applications of AI in Instructional Design? Here are some examples:

• Creating ID products: Generating learning objectives, assessments, and storyboards

• Rudimentary data analysis: Identifying learner trends, evaluating instructional effectiveness, and predicting engagement

• Enhancing learning products: Assessing course quality, identifying content gaps, and improving accessibility

• Personalization: Crafting tailored learning paths and providing real-time feedback

• Automating tasks: Streamlining grading, content moderation, and system updates

However, we must also weigh these benefits against potential risks, such as:

• Job displacement: Will AI replace human Instructional Designers?

• Bias: Can AI systems perpetuate biases in their recommendations or assessments?

• Security: How can we ensure that our data and AI systems are secure from hacking and other threats?

A Call for Change

It's time for us to take a step back and re-evaluate what's truly important in our industry. We must prioritize the needs of our ID learners over profit margins. We must also commit to ongoing professional development, staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in Instructional Design.

Let's act together to work towards creating a more informed and supportive community of Instructional Design professionals. Together, we can elevate our industry and make a positive impact on those who rely on us. This won't be easy. We'll need to give up some of our ego-driven moments in front of the camera or invest time in helping each other without tangible personal benefits. But the payoff will be worth it: a more informed, supportive community of ID professionals dedicated to delivering high-quality learning experiences for all learners.

It's time for us to take responsibility for setting a higher standard in our industry. We owe it to ourselves, our clients, our students, and our profession to create content that is accurate, informative, and helpful.

I'm committed to doing my part in this effort, and I'll be sharing updates on my plans to address the issues outlined here in this LinkedIn blog. Stay tuned!