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: New

S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research

Marketing Management

Skills you'll gain: Product Strategy, Marketing Management, Marketing Strategies, Consumer Behaviour, Target Market, Marketing Communications, Marketing Planning, Product Lifecycle Management, Integrated Marketing Communications, Marketing Analytics, Brand Strategy, Marketing Channel, Market Analysis, Supply Chain

Status: Free Trial

Johns Hopkins University

Foundations of Neuroscience

Skills you'll gain: Marketing Psychology, Influencing, Persuasive Communication, Advertising, Consumer Behaviour, Decision Making, Marketing Effectiveness, Neurology, Marketing, Psychology, Performance Measurement, Anatomy

Status: Free Trial

Scrimba

Become a JavaScript Developer

Skills you'll gain: TypeScript, Javascript, Pseudocode, Computational Thinking, Web Development, Angular, Vue.JS, Application Development, Debugging, Algorithms, React.js, Web Applications, JSON, Data Import/Export, Event-Driven Programming, Front-End Web Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Unit Testing, Maintainability, Software Design Patterns

Status: Free Trial

Microsoft

Power BI & Power Virtual Agents

Skills you'll gain: Power BI, Dashboard, Microsoft Power Platform, Data Visualization, Data Integration, Business Intelligence, Performance Analysis, Data Security, Generative AI Agents, Microsoft Teams, Data Analysis Software, Data Modeling, Customer Engagement

University of Leeds

How to Get Into AI

Skills you'll gain: Artificial Intelligence, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Automation, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Machine Learning, Analytical Skills, Natural Language Processing

Status: Free Trial

CertNexus

Communicate Effectively about Ethical Challenges in Data-Driven Technologies

Skills you'll gain: Crisis Management, Business Ethics, Corporate Communications, Data Ethics, Media Relations, Communication Strategies, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, Stakeholder Communications, Business Communication, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Diversity and Inclusion, Stakeholder Engagement, Risk Management

Coursera Project Network

Canva for teachers

Skills you'll gain: Education Software and Technology

Status: Free Trial

Tecnológico de Monterrey

Negotiation Skills and Effective Communication

Skills you'll gain: Negotiation, Emotional Intelligence, Communication, Conflict Management, Relationship Building, Interpersonal Communications, Collaboration, Empathy, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Analytical Skills

Coursera Instructor Network

Cloud Architecture Design Patterns

Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Infrastructure, Scalability, Cloud Computing, Software Architecture, Cloud Services, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Load Balancing, Serverless Computing, Software Design Patterns, Microservices, Event-Driven Programming

Coursera Project Network

Create a Supermarket app using Java OOP

Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Java Programming, Software Design, Software Testing, Application Development

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Sustainable Innovation for Subsistence Marketplaces

Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Environmental Issue, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Corporate Sustainability, Human Centered Design, Business Planning, Market Analysis, Market Research, Consumer Behaviour, Needs Assessment, Qualitative Research

BCG

Digitale Transformation

Skills you'll gain: Digital Transformation, Business Transformation, Design Thinking, Technology Strategies, Business Process Reengineering, Data Strategy, Growth Strategies, Business Strategies, Market Dynamics, Innovation, Emerging Technologies, Competitive Analysis

Instructional Design Courses

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