3 Myths in the field of Learning and Development
“Hi, my name is ____ and I’m transitioning into instructional design.”
If I had a nickel for every time I encounter this on Linkedin, the instructional design subreddit, or at my local ATD chapter’s monthly networking event, I would have at least enough nickels to buy myself a nice plate of sushi.
And I get it, for those working in related fields like teaching, instructional design feels like a logical way to make a career pivot. But I also hear a lot of misconceptions about the field in these conversations. If you are one of those folks just getting started, here are 3 myths I hear from aspiring practitioners.
Myth: Instructional Design means learning to use Articulate Storyline
Reality: Articulate is just one tool in a whole suite of design tools that can be used to make quality learning products. Articulate isn’t scary, it’s just PowerPoint with more features. I’ve seen amazing PowerPoints, and Storyline modules so bad they should be prescribed to cure insomnia. A quality employer/future boss should be far more interested in the outcomes of your design, rather than the tool you used.
Resources to level up: Rather than starting with an ID tech stack, start with adult learning theory. I love “Design for How People Learn” by Julie Dirksen and “Map it” by Cathy Moore. Learn about adult learning theory and measuring organizational impact first, then focus on using the right design tool for the outcome you intend to produce.
Myth: Instructional Design is the only job title in corporate learning and development
Reality: The field of learning and development spans building personal, organizational, and professional capabilities.
Resources to level up: Check out ATD’s Talent Development Capability Model. You might find that your past experiences and current interests are more suited for organizational development, workshop facilitation, LMS Management, professional coaching, or something else entirely.
Myth: Pedagogy is the same as adult learning theory
Reality: Corporate learning has its own vocabulary, principles, and culture. While things that work in the classroom do often translate to the boardroom, there are key differences to be aware of, and using the right vocabulary to describe what you do will help those already in the corporate space take you seriously.
Resources to level up: Start with this blog post by Andrew Debell for an overview of key terms to know in our field. From there, build these terms into your own vocabulary as you talk about the work you are putting into your portfolio projects. Then, join a networking event, follow some thought leaders on LinkedIn, and find the best fit for the next step in your professional journey.
Takeaways
Breaking into learning and development requires much more than simply learning authoring tools. It is about understanding adult learning theory and organizational impact. Successfully transitioning is about learning a whole new vocabulary and culture.
