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

Coursera Project Network

Make a Table of Contents, Footnotes, and more with Word

Skills you'll gain: Version Control, Document Management, Collaborative Software

Status: Free Trial

NIIT

Building RESTful APIs Using Node.js and Express

Skills you'll gain: Restful API, API Design, Node.JS, Software Documentation, JavaScript Frameworks, Web Services, Middleware, Authentications, JSON, Server Side, Web Applications, Authorization (Computing)

Status: Free

Coursera Project Network

Create a Storyboard in Canva

Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, Canva (Software), Storytelling, Marketing Design, Content Creation, Presentations, Marketing Materials, Dashboard, Collaborative Software, User Accounts

Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

التقانة والمستشعرات النانوية - الجزء الاول

Skills you'll gain: Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Semiconductors, Technology Solutions, Emerging Technologies, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electronics, Ideation, Chemistry, Environmental Monitoring, Manufacturing Processes, Creative Design, Medical Imaging

Coursera Project Network

Design infographics with Prezi

Skills you'll gain: Infographics, Presentations, Graphic and Visual Design

Illinois Tech

Introduction to Open Source Application Development

Skills you'll gain: Unified Modeling Language, Debugging, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Python Programming, Computer Programming, System Programming, Pseudocode, Software Design, User Interface (UI), Data Structures, File Management

Status: Free Trial

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Gobierno Corporativo

Skills you'll gain: Annual Reports, Governance, Corporate Accounting, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Financial Industry Regulatory Authorities, Regulatory Requirements, Compliance Management, Regulatory Compliance, Financial Regulation, Accountability, Business Management, Corporate Strategy, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Business Ethics, Organizational Structure, Corporate Communications, Governance Risk Management and Compliance, Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting, Stakeholder Management

Coursera Project Network

How to create Social Media graphics using Canva

Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Design Elements And Principles, Graphic and Visual Design, Content Creation, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Graphic Design, Photo Editing

Status: Free Trial

Dartmouth College

Engineering of Structures: Response of Structures

Skills you'll gain: Structural Analysis, Structural Engineering, Building Design, Civil Engineering, Vibrations, SketchUp (3D Modeling Software), Engineering Analysis, Mechanics, Mathematical Modeling, Prototyping, 3D Modeling

Status: Free Trial

University of Colorado Boulder

Real-Time Mission-Critical Systems Design

Skills you'll gain: Real-Time Operating Systems, Performance Tuning, Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Debugging, Systems Engineering, Software Systems, System Software, Systems Architecture, Systems Design, System Design and Implementation, Software Testing, Software Quality Assurance, Linux

Status: Free Trial

Fundação Instituto de Administração

Desembaraço Aduaneiro

Skills you'll gain: International Finance, Competitive Analysis, Payment Systems, Risk Management, Export Control, Strategic Partnership, Strategic Decision-Making, Market Dynamics, Business Strategies, Shipping and Receiving, Negotiation, Verification And Validation

Status: Free Trial

L&T EduTech

Load Flow Analysis

Skills you'll gain: Electric Power Systems, Electrical Power, Systems Analysis, Electrical Engineering, Network Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software, Graph Theory

Instructional Design Courses

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Find the Best Instructional Design Course for Your Goals

Make a Table of Contents, Footnotes, and more with Word