The Essentials of Instructional Design, 4th Edition introduces the fundamental elements, principles, and practice of instructional design (ID) to students new to ID. Key procedures within the ID process—learner analysis, task analysis, needs analysis, developing goals and objectives, organizing instruction, developing instructional activities, assessing learner achievement, and evaluating the success of the instructional design—are covered comprehensively and enriched with descriptions and examples of how these procedures are accomplished using the best-known models.

Unlike most other ID books, The Essentials of Instructional Design provides an overview of the principles and practice of ID without placing emphasis on any one ID model. Offering the voices of instructional designers from a number of professional settings and providing real-life examples from across sectors, students learn how professional organizations put the various ID processes into practice. This revised edition features new activities, quizzes, and content on professional development.

Offering a variety of possible approaches for each step in the ID process and clearly explaining the strengths and challenges associated with each, this book prepares students with the information they need to make informed decisions as they design and develop instruction.