What are the best instructional design courses on Coursera?

Top courses include Instructional Design Foundations and Applications from the University of Illinois and An Introduction to Learning Experience Design (LXD) from the University of Michigan as well. These programs cover learning theory, course planning, digital pedagogy, and technology tools for designing engaging learning experiences.

Can I learn instructional design for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many instructional design courses offer a free audit option. You can access video lectures and readings at no cost. If you want to complete assessments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in an instructional design course?

You’ll learn how to design learning objectives, structure courses, select appropriate media and tools, and evaluate learning outcomes. Many courses also include frameworks like ADDIE, Bloom’s Taxonomy, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Do I need a teaching background to start learning instructional design?

Not necessarily. While experience in education or training can be helpful, many courses are beginner-friendly and provide a strong foundation for anyone interested in creating effective learning experiences.

Can Coursera’s instructional design courses help me build a career?

Yes. Instructional design is a growing field across education , corporate training , government , and nonprofits . Coursera courses can help you build job-ready skills, create a portfolio of work, and earn certificates that demonstrate your ability to design engaging and effective learning materials.

Top Instructional Design Courses - Learn Instructional Design Online

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Find the Best Instructional Design Course for Your Goals

Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Advanced Detailing, Roof Design & Texturing
Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Graphic Techniques, Game Design, Design Elements And Principles
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Whizlabs
Azure AI & ML: Optimize Language Models for AI Applications
Skills you'll gain: MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Microsoft Azure, Prompt Engineering, Application Deployment, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Data Pipelines, Applied Machine Learning, Large Language Modeling, Continuous Monitoring, Generative AI, Performance Tuning
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Coursera
Flow Forward: Mastering User Journeys & Wireframing in Figma
Skills you'll gain: User Experience Design, User Flows, Figma (Design Software), Usability, User Interface (UI), User Centered Design, Wireframing, User Research
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Responsible AI for Developers: Privacy & Safety - 繁體中文
Skills you'll gain: Information Privacy, Google Cloud Platform, Personally Identifiable Information, Cloud Security, Data Security, Open Source Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Safety and Security, Machine Learning, Technical Design
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Coursera
Experience Essentials: Unlocking the UX Process with Miro
Skills you'll gain: User Experience Design, User Centered Design, Prototyping, Wireframing, User Research, Design Thinking, Collaborative Software
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Preparing for Professional Cloud Network Engineer 日本語版
Skills you'll gain: Network Troubleshooting, Google Cloud Platform, Cloud Engineering, Network Planning And Design, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Network Monitoring, Network Architecture, Cloud Infrastructure, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Cloud Security, Kubernetes, Load Balancing, Firewall, Network Security, Virtual Machines
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
Design de projetos de governo digital
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Google Cloud
Como criar apps de IA generativa no Google Cloud
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Cloud Applications, Large Language Modeling, Google Cloud Platform, Prompt Engineering, Application Development, Application Deployment, Natural Language Processing, Cloud Computing Architecture, Prototyping, Solution Architecture
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Finalizing, Rendering & Advanced Lighting
Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Graphic Techniques, Animations, Color Theory
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Whizlabs
Azure ML: Explore & Configure the Machine Learning Workspace
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Modeling, Microsoft Azure, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Machine Learning, Statistics, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Azure Synapse Analytics, Cloud Computing, Data Management, Virtual Machines
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Coursera
Facebook Content Creation Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Facebook, Content Creation, Graphic and Visual Design, Graphic Design, Drive Engagement, Video Production, Storytelling, Generative AI Agents, Writing, Video Editing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Google Cloud
Networking in Google Cloud: Network Architecture - 日本語版
Skills you'll gain: Network Troubleshooting, Network Architecture, Network Planning And Design, Cloud Computing Architecture, General Networking, Google Cloud Platform, Network Security, Network Analysis, Network Performance Management, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Firewall, Scalability, Load Balancing, Cloud Security
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks