I’ve long said that if you want to track whats going on in AI and education, one of the best sources of ideas is Newsletters (in reality for better or worse newsletters are the new blog). And a newsletter I have only just found is Phillipa Hardman’s Instructional Design 4.0. Phillipa says she talks about the intersection between human and machine learning (aka AI). In this morning’s newsletter she writes about emerging trends from the use of AI, and what it might mean for the key skills and day to day role of instructional designers.

She identifies three key themes

Theme 1. AI & Prompt Engineering

Theme 2. Data-Driven Decision Making

Theme 3. Cross-Functional Collaboration

She sees both a narrowing and deepening of the skill set required for instructional designers, with a new emphasis on technical, communication and creative skills. 

Philippa goes on to consider what this shift could mean for the instructional designer skill set?

• Understanding of AI & Machine Learning: Instructional designers will likely need a foundational understanding of how AI and machine learning technologies work, including their capabilities, limitations, and applications in the analysis, design, delivery, iteration and evaluation process. 
• Data Literacy: The ability to interpret and use data will likely become increasingly important, especially in the analysis, design and evaluation of learning experiences.
• Familiarity with Development Processes: A basic understanding of software development processes, including agile methodologies, will likely become increasingly important for effective collaboration with engineers and product managers.

• Cross-Functional Teamwork: The ability to work effectively with product managers, engineers, and designers requires strong teamwork and communication skills. Instructional designers must be able to articulate pedagogical goals and requirements to non-educational professionals and understand their perspectives.
• Agile Project Management: As instructional designers become more involved in the product development lifecycle, agile project management skills become more important. They need to manage timelines, coordinate with multiple stakeholders, and ensure that projects stay on track.
• Ethical Considerations: With the increased use of AI, instructional designers must understand and consider the ethical risks and implications of working with aI, including privacy concerns and bias in AI algorithms, and ensure that learning products are accessible and equitable to all users.
• Innovative Design Thinking: The development of new learning products requires creativity and the ability to think outside traditional educational paradigms.

In summary, she says, “the rise of AI brings with it a shift towards AI-enhanced educational technology products. For instructional designers, this marks a shift in their role which requires a broadening of technical knowledge, a shift in their process and a deepening of their pedagogical expertise.”