What tools are essential for an Instructional Designer in 2023?

I started my e-learning career in 2009 when most screenwriters used PowerPoint to develop their script. Technologies have reached education and today, the Instructional Designer has developed a more prominent role.

Today, an instructional designer typically needs to be proficient in a variety of tools and technologies to effectively design and develop learning experiences. It doesn't mean that the ID needs to know everything, but he is required to at least know and understand what each tool is.

Here are some of the key tools an instructional designer should know:

1. Learning management systems (LMS): LMS platforms create, deliver, and manage online learning content and courses. Instructional designers should be familiar with various LMS platforms and know how to use them to create and manage course content.

2. Authoring tools: Authoring tools are used to create e-learning content such as interactive multimedia elements, simulations, and assessments. Common authoring tools include Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Vyond, and Lectora.

3. Content management systems (CMS): CMS platforms organize and manage digital content, including text, images, audio, and video. Instructional designers may need CMS platforms to create and manage e-learning content.

4. Multimedia tools: Instructional designers should be familiar with a range of multimedia tools, including graphic design software (e.g. Adobe Photoshop, Canva), audio editing software (e.g. Audacity, Adobe Audition), and video editing software (e.g. Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro).

5. Collaboration and project management tools: Instructional designers often work as part of a team, so they need to know collaboration and project management tools such as Slack, Trello, Asana, and Basecamp.

6. Assessment and evaluation tools: Instructional designers need to measure the effectiveness of their learning solutions, so they should know assessment and evaluation tools such as SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, and Google Forms.

7. Web development tools: Some instructional designers may need to work with web development tools such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create and customize digital learning content.

Overall, an instructional designer needs to be familiar with a variety of tools and technologies to effectively design and develop learning experiences. The specific tools required may vary depending on the organization, project, and job role.