M06-01 · AI + Learning & Training Design

Instructional Design Methodology

Teaches the analytical and design skills that separate effective learning professionals from content factories. Covers needs analysis (performance gaps, task analysis, audience analysis), Bloom's taxonomy for measurable learning objectives, course and curriculum design documentation, storyboarding, scenario-based learning approaches, and learning path architecture. Students learn that the design phase — before any content is built — determines whether training changes behavior or just checks a box.

35 Hours

8 Learning objectives

Create Bloom's ceiling (?)

5 Competencies

What You'll Be Able To Do

Learning Objectives

Objectives

Depth

Conduct a needs analysis that identifies the actual performance gap behind a training request: interview stakeholders, distinguish "training problem" from "process/tool/incentive problem," and document findings in a Needs Analysis Brief Apply
Perform task analysis by shadowing performers, documenting step-by-step workflows, identifying decision points, and cataloging common mistakes that training must address Apply
Write measurable learning objectives using Bloom's taxonomy with observable verbs, conditions, and criteria — and reject unmeasurable objectives like "understand the importance of" Create
Design scenario-based learning experiences anchored in realistic workplace situations where learners practice decisions, not just recall facts Create
Create course design documents that specify learning objectives, target audience, delivery format, module structure, assessment strategy, and success metrics before any content is built Create
Design multi-course learning paths with proper sequencing, prerequisites, progressive complexity, and spaced practice across levels Create
Apply active learning principles (70% practice / 30% instruction) to any content area, converting passive information transfer into activities that require learner decision-making Apply
Analyze the difference between expert and novice performance to identify the knowledge gaps, shortcuts, and assumptions that training must bridge Analyze

Levels: Remember · Understand · Apply · Analyze · Evaluate · Create — highest demands most original thinking.

Core Competencies

What You'll Master

Needs Analysis

Performance gap identification, stakeholder interviewing, task analysis, audience analysis, and the discipline to analyze before designing.

Learning Objective Design

Bloom's taxonomy application, measurable objectives with conditions and criteria, objective-assessment alignment.

Scenario-Based Design

Realistic workplace scenarios with decision points, consequences, and remediation paths that develop judgment, not just knowledge.

Course Architecture

Design documents, storyboards (screen-by-screen planning), module structure, assessment integration, estimated duration.

Learning Path Design

Multi-course sequencing, prerequisite logic, progressive complexity, spaced practice, and sustainability planning.

Portfolio Artifact

What You'll Build

Training Program Design Package — Student conducts a needs analysis for a realistic training request (e.g., "our team needs AI tools training"): documents performance gaps, task analysis findings, and audience analysis. Produces a complete design document for a 3-module course with Bloom's-tagged learning objectives, scenario-based learning approach, storyboard for one module (screen-by-screen), assessment strategy, and success metrics. Also designs a 4-level learning path showing progression, prerequisites, and sequencing rationale.

Tools You'll Use

Industry Tools, Not Toy Projects

Google Docs / Notion

Design documents, needs analysis briefs, and course architecture documentation.

Miro / FigJam

Visual collaboration tools for storyboarding, learning path mapping, and design workshops.

Claude

AI assistant for needs analysis structuring, objective drafting with Bloom's validation, and design review.

Otter.ai

AI transcription tool for recording and processing SME interviews during needs analysis.