POLDA - Foundations of Learning Design

Course Description

Foundations of Learning Design is a fully online, self-paced professional development course for educators, trainers, and learning professionals who are new to learning design or shifting into the field. You’ll explore foundational content in learning design (e.g., core models and theories), practice analyzing learners and tasks, and evaluate learning objectives and basic assessment evidence to ensure they support real-world goals. Through practical, workplace-relevant activities, such as interpreting alignment maps, reflecting on stakeholder needs, and experimenting lightly with common design tools. You’ll begin building a personal design toolkit and professional identity you can carry into future courses and roles, as well as more advanced work in the Learning Design Certificate. 

Skill Statements: 

By the end of the course, students will be able to: 

• Describe key models and theories that guide learning design.  

• Identify learner and task characteristics that inform design decisions and communication with stakeholders.  

• Evaluate measurable learning objectives aligned with learner needs.  

• Apply inclusive instructional strategies and evaluation principles to learning experiences.