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The Essentials of Instructional Design: Connecting Fundamental Principles with Process and Practice

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The Essentials of Instructional Design, 4th Edition introduces the fundamental elements, principles, and practice of instructional design (ID) to students new to ID. Key procedures within the ID process--learner analysis, task analysis, needs analysis, developing goals and objectives, organizing instruction, developing instructional activities, assessing learner achievement, and evaluating the success of the instructional design--are covered comprehensively and enriched with descriptions and examples of how these procedures are accomplished using the best-known models.

Unlike most other ID books, The Essentials of Instructional Design provides an overview of the principles and practice of ID without placing emphasis on any one ID model. Offering the voices of instructional designers from a number of professional settings and providing real-life examples from across sectors, students learn how professional organizations put the various ID processes into practice. This revised edition features new activities, quizzes, and content on professional development.

Offering a variety of possible approaches for each step in the ID process and clearly explaining the strengths and challenges associated with each, this book prepares students with the information they need to make informed decisions as they design and develop instruction.

274 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2005

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Dana.
313 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2020
I read this book as part of my graduate school program in educational technology. The co-author, Timothy Green, is one of my professors. I've had this happen in the past and felt I was being forced to buy my professor's book, but this one was absolutely worthwhile and a perfect complement to our learning and practice. It goes through the steps and elements of instructional design thoroughly but in an easy-to-read format with great tips from people in the field.
72 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2018
It is a great book for teachers who are just beginning their careers. It reminds you of the basic principle and is really well written. The theory in practice parts is really well connected. Definitely worth a read.
Profile Image for Liz.
143 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2021
This contained great information and a wealth of resources. However, the readability of this book wasn't great. It focused a little too much on explaining information from different references instead of compiling the information into a comprehensive whole.
Profile Image for Jay.
131 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2025
The material was dry and at times made concepts and terminology more confusing than it needed to be.
59 reviews
October 5, 2014
Read this one in conjunction with a class I'm taking on the same subject. I think there is so much to cover in relation to integrating more technology in the classroom, and different learning strategies. This book was extensive in certain aspects, but I think I really only scratched the surface in the instructional design field.
Profile Image for Drew.
2 reviews
February 16, 2009
I learned about many models of instructional design as well as the pieces and parts of doing one also. My mind is a little hazy as I've consumed this book in three weeks.
Profile Image for Carrie.
123 reviews1 follower
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March 8, 2016
This book was a great introduction to ID. I found it very useful and learned a great deal.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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