Learning Design and Instructional Design: Similarities and Differences

Instructional design refers to the systematic planning, development, and evaluation of teaching materials based on learning and teaching theories. Classical definitions, such as the one provided by Reigeluth (1999), emphasize the effectiveness, efficiency, and appeal of instruction.

Learning design is a more recent approach that focuses on shaping learning and teaching activities, as well as interaction during the learning process (Rienties et al., 2023). According to Gráinne Conole (2013), learning design should make use of visual and digital tools to enhance pedagogical practice and collaborative planning of learning and teaching. The emphasis is on student learning and the learning experience, including managing the overall student workload. Conole particularly highlights the significant technological possibilities (which are much greater today than when the book was written, note by author) that should be utilized, but she stresses that approaches to designing educational activities and content need to be reconsidered first.