Learning Design and Instructional Design: Similarities and Differences

Element

Instructional design

Learning design

Similarities

Focus

Efficient delivery of content¹

Learning activities and interactions²

Improvement of the learning process

Theoretical foundation

Behaviorism, cognitivism¹

Constructivism, social constructivism²

Reliance on educational theories

Methodology

ADDIE model, linear approach¹

Visual, flexible, and iterative planning²

Systematic planning of education

Role of technology

Secondary or supportive³

Essential for planning and collaboration²

Use of digital tools

Student workload

Generally not considered⁴

Actively included and transparent⁵

Both approaches may be extended to this aspect

Constructive alignment

Partially integrated⁶; contemporary approaches include it

A fundamental principle of the approach⁷

Supports the alignment of instructional elements

Application

E-learning, formal education¹

All levels of education, flexible²

Adaptable to context

Target group

Instructors, content designers¹

Teachers, teams—creators of e-courses or modules²

Professionals in education and training