What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming an Instructional Designer

What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming an Instructional Designer is a great read, especially for those hoping to enter the field of instructional design. The writing is candid, engaging, and encouraging. When it comes to instructional design and trying to learn about the field, there is so much to get bogged down with, but Dr. Luke Hobson lays things out so it feels manageable while also setting realistic expectations. Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights!

If you are looking to learn more about the field of instructional design, how to become one or what it is like to be one, look no further as Dr. Luke Hobson has carefully crafted an engaging look at the field of instructional design. By sharing his winding path into the field, he normalizes the unusual path that many budding instructional designers find themselves on. What I Wish I Knew … is well organized and each chapter contains a wealth of information on the pros and cons, how to develop your skills and connections to tips on how to “obliterate” imposter syndrome and excellent insights to grow your career. Each bit of information and advice is tied directly to the author’s own experiences which he so carefully weaves throughout the book. At the end of each chapter, the reader is provided with real world, practical activities to apply as well as a quick reflection activity to further deepen the reader’s experience. I highly recommend this book for both emerging and experienced instructional designers. Dr. Hobson’s writing style is light, yet direct and easy to connect with. My copy is now well-decorated with post-its and dog-ears for quick and easy future reference. I know that I will be referring to it time and time again, a sure sign of a well-written, practical book!

If you are transitioning into Instructional Design, or are new to ID, you may be wondering where to start. There are all these things that are looming over your head: I need a portfolio. I need to network. Do I need an additional degree? How do I network? Dr. Hobson has answered all of these and more, in this book. It's like he kept a journal of the things he wondered about, then used his now vast experience to talk to his younger self.In tackling a different question in each chapter, the book is easy to read and follow. Although I read the book in one sitting, a couple of the chapters are now part of my regular go-to resources. Chapter 13 on how to work with SMEs gave me practical tips that transformed interactions with my current set of SMEs from awkward to genial. Highly recommend!

So, I have just read the book "What I wish I knew before becoming an Instructional designer."My way was simple to this item. I wanted to explore more how it looks like to be ID in US. I saw post about Dr. Luke's podcast. I started to listen. It became my every day routine while I was walking with the stroller and my cute minor. Thus, I found myself "amazoned" with the new book.BTW, ID process looks pretty much the same in Ukraine. :) You still need to manage projects, vendors, students expectations, SME's desires to do in their certain way ....etc... :)I like the idea Dr. Luke Hobson stated at the last unit, his "why" he wrote the book. I grew as a professional with the same thought. I want to build courses/educational units which students would enjoy studying. There are so many bad learning solutions out there. Apparently, angry Santa (who else?) want people to suffer while studying new skills.My main takeaways getting more look like fields of improvement. Anyway...🙌 SME is your partner in crime.I graduated from 2 courses on instructional design and none of them taught me how to work with SMEs.🙌 Learn more about UDL.Modern world, trends or whatever it is demands to create courses with inclusive design in mind.🙌 Pursue ID career means lifelong learning, actually.Being a part of one FB group, I see people keep asking exact same questions "What is it like to be an instructional designer? Should I consider transition? What should I do to become ID"...So, if you are at the beginning of your ID journey or consider transition to the field the book will give you understanding, what the ID looks like. Just read the book and you will have answers. What is Instructional Design look like? Is it good fit for your personality? What is your next step?So, if my brief review will make you actually read this decent piece, It was worth it to rewrite this post like hundred times.Have a nice reading, folks! 🦄

Luke wrote a personal and quite enjoyable book on how his career got started and what the field entails. His approach to the book allowed the reader to understand the career as a whole and how one might find their way into the instructional design field. His focus on teaching the reader about instructional design, and implementing practice opportunities to build one's portfolio was one of the best parts. I would highly recommend this for readers considering becoming an ID, those new to the field, and those just wanting a good read of a fellow colleague. Luke's bright personality shows through and he will make you want to watch his podcast and learn more from and about him.

Muitos designers instrucionais entram na área por acaso. Não é a toa que o Design Instrucional é tão amplo e diversificado. Ainda assim, muitos DIs gostariam de saber certas coisas antes de começar nessa área.É aqui que o livro do Luke entra. Que tipo de designer instrucional você quer ser? Como você navega pela cultura organizacional da empresa? Como se relacionar com os Especialistas?Grande parte do trabalho de desenvolver experiências de aprendizagem eficazes é saber analisar o cenário, trabalhar com os diversos especialistas nos assuntos e, principalmente, focar nas necessidades dos alunos e do negócio.Se você está perdido dentro do DI, ou sente que poderia fazer mais, esse é o livro certo para aprender mais e desenvolver o designer profissional dentro de você.

I absolutely loved Dr. Luke Hobson's What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming an Instructional Designer and I would highly recommend this book!As an international educator, exploring entering the field of ID, this book provided clear, relevant and focused insights and recommendations. The book is structured into topics that address what instructional designers do, the pros and cons, how to teach oneself a new skill, how to build a portfolio, networking, imposter syndrome, work culture, student experience, course design, the day in the life of an ID, the future of ID and assessing whether ID is right for you. The final chapter contains invaluable recommendations.Dr. Luke Hobson's conversational tone makes for a very enjoyable read. I literally was drawn in from the very beginning. I am absolutely delighted to have discovered this book. The guidance it provides is invaluable!

I read this book in a couple of days. It's well written and the content answers fundamental questions that people transitioning to an instructional designer ask themselves. It helped me to have a better general understanding of the profession in its various aspects, e.g. making connections, dealing with SMEs, creating a portfolio, course design, etc. Recommended if you are exploring ID as a possible career.

An excellent book that highlights some key points for those wanting to move into the world of Instructional Design. From how the ID world works to key tips and tricks to support your development.

Książka, która stała się dla mnie inspiracją do dalszych działań.Książka bez wątpienia pomoże Ci rozpocząć działanie w obszarze ID lub jeśli już masz doświadczenie - będzie dla Ciebie inspiracją do udoskonalenia dotychczasowych działań. Co ciekawe - po każdym rozdziale jest zadanie do wykonania, które pomoże Ci przećwiczyć zadania/obszary/kompetencje omawiane w rozdziale.Gorąco polecam!