Instructional design (ID) refers to the activities involved in generating intentional changes in learning and performance, including planning, creating, selecting, sequencing, and developing resources. These resources may include artifacts and experiences, as in developing an online or hybrid university course or in designing a cyber-learning social network system for a nonprofit organization. Designers engaged in ID practice work in complex environments creating instructional and noninstructional products, interventions, and experiences. Once these interventions are created, ID practice may also include the implementation, evaluation, and management of these experiences.

ID practice occurs in a variety of environments including the private sector (currently the largest environment for ID practice), nonprofit agencies, government and military settings, health care organizations, schools, and other settings. ID practitioners design all types of instructional ...