The Competencies for Instructional Designers in Higher Education

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to define and describe the roles and competencies of instructional designers working in the context of higher education. Inspired by existing research, this chapter summarizes these roles and competencies of instructional designers in higher education. We first review the context and settings in which these professionals work, delineate their common roles and responsibilities within these settings, and highlight the academic backgrounds and professional experiences that align with this career role. Next, we outline the core competencies for instructional designers in higher education by describing their typical work expectations and the necessary knowledge and skills needed to perform effectively and efficiently in this environment. Finally, we discuss how to gain the necessary competencies and experiences to serve in this capacity along with some closing remarks.