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

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals

Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Graph Theory, Development Environment, Engineering Software, Computer Programming, Software Engineering, Algorithms, Debugging, Program Development, Database Systems, Database Theory, Network Routing, Theoretical Computer Science, Data Storage

Status: Free

Coursera Project Network

Marketing Design with Easil

Skills you'll gain: Marketing Design, Social Media Marketing, Social Media Content, Marketing Materials, Marketing, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Branding, Loyalty Programs, Advertising, Creative Design, Customer Engagement

Status: New

Status: Free Trial

University of Colorado Boulder

Object-Oriented Analysis & Design

Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Design, Unified Modeling Language, JUnit, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Test Driven Development (TDD), Software Design Patterns, Software Design, Software Engineering, Java, Unit Testing, Software Testing, Software Architecture, Java Programming, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, API Design, Model View Controller, Software Development, Systems Analysis, Conceptual Design, Data Modeling

Status: Free Trial

IBM

Introduction to HTML, CSS, & JavaScript

Skills you'll gain: HTML and CSS, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Front-End Web Development, Responsive Web Design, Web Development, Web Design, Javascript, Web Applications, Scripting, Browser Compatibility, Application Programming Interface (API)

Status: Free Trial

Macquarie University

Excel Skills for Business: Advanced

Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Data Cleansing, Finance, Business Intelligence Software, Data Validation, Financial Modeling, Data Visualization, Loans, Depreciation, Automation

Status: Free Trial

University of Colorado Boulder

Everyday Excel, Part 1

Skills you'll gain: Data Import/Export, Microsoft Excel, Data Visualization, Data Management, Excel Macros, Excel Formulas, Data Validation, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint

Status: New

Status: Free Trial

Packt

Advanced CSS & Responsive Web Design

Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, HTML and CSS, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Design, Version Control, GitHub, Front-End Web Development, Mobile Development, Web Development, Typography

Status: New

Status: Free Trial

Vanderbilt University

Generative AI Database Design & Management with ChatGPT

Skills you'll gain: Database Design, Data Migration, Generative AI, Software Documentation, Dashboard, Database Management, ChatGPT, Gap Analysis, Database Architecture and Administration, Technical Design, SQL, Prototyping, Performance Testing, Simulation and Simulation Software, Data Quality

Status: Free Trial

Berklee

Electronic Music Production

Skills you'll gain: Musical Composition, File Management, Music Performance, Music, Media Production, Music Theory, Instrumental Music, Performing Arts, Creativity, Peer Review, Automation, Electronic Media, Design Software, Editing, Patch Management, Software Installation, System Requirements

Status: Free

Coursera Project Network

Design a Professional Business card with QR code using Canva

Skills you'll gain: Barcoding, LinkedIn, Presentations, Facebook, Cloud Applications, Virtual Environment, Social Media, Professional Networking, Content Creation

Status: New

Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo

Design de projetos de governo digital

Skills you'll gain: Digital Transformation, Talent Management, Program Evaluation, Data Strategy, Cybersecurity, Technology Strategies, Governance, Project Design, Data Management, Public Administration, Process Improvement

Status: New

Coursera

YouTube Design: Banners & Profile Pics

Skills you'll gain: Logo Design, Style Guides, Visual Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Design Elements And Principles, Technical Documentation

Instructional Design Courses

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