What are the best instructional design courses on Coursera?

Top courses include Instructional Design Foundations and Applications from the University of Illinois and An Introduction to Learning Experience Design (LXD) from the University of Michigan as well. These programs cover learning theory, course planning, digital pedagogy, and technology tools for designing engaging learning experiences.

Can I learn instructional design for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many instructional design courses offer a free audit option. You can access video lectures and readings at no cost. If you want to complete assessments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in an instructional design course?

You’ll learn how to design learning objectives, structure courses, select appropriate media and tools, and evaluate learning outcomes. Many courses also include frameworks like ADDIE, Bloom’s Taxonomy, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Do I need a teaching background to start learning instructional design?

Not necessarily. While experience in education or training can be helpful, many courses are beginner-friendly and provide a strong foundation for anyone interested in creating effective learning experiences.

Can Coursera’s instructional design courses help me build a career?

Yes. Instructional design is a growing field across education , corporate training , government , and nonprofits . Coursera courses can help you build job-ready skills, create a portfolio of work, and earn certificates that demonstrate your ability to design engaging and effective learning materials.

Top Instructional Design Courses - Learn Instructional Design Online

Status: Free Trial

LearnKartS

Models, Methods, and Artifacts

Skills you'll gain: Conflict Management, Project Management, Project Planning, Performance Analysis, Negotiation, Estimation, Project Coordination, Change Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Events and Conferences, Meeting Facilitation, Analysis

Status: Free Trial

Dartmouth College

C Programming: Modular Programming and Memory Management - 3

Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Computer Architecture, Embedded Software, Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, Program Development, Data Structures, Linux, Debugging

The University of Sydney

Creative Thinking and Innovation

Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Creativity, Creative Problem-Solving, Innovation, Ideation, Brainstorming, Cognitive flexibility, Open Mindset, Curiosity

Status: Free Trial

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

3D Printing Hardware

Skills you'll gain: Hardware Troubleshooting, Computer Hardware, 3D Modeling, Hardware Design, Manufacturing Processes, Digital Design, Mechanical Design, Control Systems, Electronic Components, Mechanical Engineering, Technical Support, Thermal Management, Open Source Technology

Status: Free Trial

University of California, Davis

Animation with JavaScript and jQuery

Skills you'll gain: jQuery, Javascript and jQuery, UI Components, Scripting, JavaScript Frameworks, Web Applications, HTML and CSS, Javascript, Web Development Tools, Animations, User Interface (UI) Design

Coursera Project Network

Tables and Forms in HTML

Skills you'll gain: Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Web Applications, Web Design and Development, Web Development Tools, Web Design, Web Content

Starweaver

Introduction to Engineering Design

Skills you'll gain: Computer-Aided Design, Engineering Design Process, Product Engineering, Mechanical Design, Ideation, Engineering, Engineering Practices, Design Specifications, Simulation and Simulation Software, Conceptual Design, Prototyping, Innovation, Emerging Technologies

Status: Free Trial

University of Colorado System

Grant Proposal Plans, Sections, and Resubmission

Skills you'll gain: Grant Writing, Proposal Writing, Proposal Development, Medical Science and Research, Research Design, Research, Peer Review, Budgeting, Constructive Feedback, Mentorship

Status: Free Trial

Duke University

Strategy and Innovation for Agile Organizations

Skills you'll gain: Digital Transformation, Agile Product Development, Market Trend, Business Transformation, Operational Efficiency, Strategic Thinking, Customer Insights, Customer experience strategy (CX), Innovation, Market Opportunities, Business Strategy, Customer Engagement, Technology Strategies, New Product Development, Business Modeling, Business Technologies, Organizational Change, Business Strategies, Competitive Analysis, Customer Analysis

Amazon Web Services

Skills for Working as an AWS Cloud Consultant

Skills you'll gain: Professional Networking, Leadership Development, Relationship Building, Consulting, Amazon Web Services, Business Relationship Management, Project Management, Brand Management, Brand Awareness, Analysis, Active Listening, Interviewing Skills

Status: Free Trial

University of Colorado Boulder

Techniques of Design-Oriented Analysis

Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Control Systems, Electronic Systems, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Engineering Analysis, Simulation and Simulation Software, Matlab, Technical Design

Status: Free

Coursera Project Network

Building an Ecosystem model with Insight Maker

Skills you'll gain: Simulation and Simulation Software, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Data Modeling, Mathematical Modeling, Biology, Systems Analysis, Environment

Instructional Design Courses

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