MEd Degree Career Pointers: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help Instructional Designers Build Better Classes

AI skills are in demand across all industries. New AI applications emerge constantly, finding their way into more workplaces. Generative AI—a type of AI that can create text, images, videos, and other data based on user prompts—has become especially popular, with usage doubling in the past six months. 

Edtech companies have begun to use generative AI to transform education by creating more personalized and efficient learning experiences. From developing tools for course building to generating test questions and helping students find courses relevant to their career goals, generative AI promises numerous applications in education. 

Fears that AI will replace the role of instructional designers are almost certainly unfounded. AI will most likely allow instructional designers to spend less time on routine tasks and focus more on complex tasks that require deep knowledge, creativity, and human insight. This shift will help instructional designers save time, develop creative solutions, create high-quality materials, and utilize the latest tools to tailor educational content to individual student needs and prepare them for real-world challenges. 

Instructional design ranks among the most in-demand fields for graduates with a Master of Education (MEd). This article explores AI’s growth in the field, its benefits, and how an MEd degree can prepare students for the increasingly tech-heavy demands of instructional design positions by equipping them with the skills to leverage AI effectively in learning experiences. 

Generative AI in Course Design: Using Tools to Develop Content

According to a recent report, over 85 percent of instructional designers use AI during content design and creation. Generative AI streamlines the research and planning involved in course design by processing large amounts of data and identifying trends, saving valuable time and promoting the creation of high-quality materials. Instructional designers can input desired learning outcomes and use generative AI to research and compile relevant content, develop lesson plans, create modules and assignments, and tailor materials to individual student needs. Additionally, generative AI aids in crafting course descriptions, policies, and syllabi.  

AI Chatbots in Instructional Design: Using Automated Tutoring to Assist Students on Their Time

Tools like AI tutors and chatbots provide immediate and personalized assistance to students outside the classroom when a teacher is unavailable. These tools can positively impact a student’s education in several ways:

• AI tutors can create personalized quizzes tailored to each student’s needs. The quizzes can adapt in difficulty based on a student’s performance and provide instant feedback, allowing students to progress at their own pace and see their mistakes. 
• AI chatbots can answer frequently asked questions, providing students with the information they need quickly and saving teachers’ time. Examples could include questions about homework assignments, key concepts, or term definitions.
• AI tutors and chatboxes make learning more accessible for students by providing 24/7 access to help and resources. This benefits students in different time zones, those with language barriers, and those who cannot afford a personal tutor. 

Personalized and Adaptive Learning: Using AI to Customize Courses at the Student Level

Adaptive learning uses technology to gather information and create individualized learning programs tailored to each student’s needs. When it’s combined with the ability to customize the experience, it creates personalized learning that allows learners to adjust learning based on their goals and preferences. For example, if a student wants to learn a new skill, the platform can adapt the material and difficulty based on their performance. It can tailor course material for students who grasp concepts quickly and are ready to advance, as well as for those who need additional help and resources. It can also present information in different formats, such as visual aids for visual learners or written formats for textual learners. Personalized and adaptive learning results in dynamic, flexible, and personalized learning approaches that empower students to take charge of their education.

Predictive Analytics in Course Design: Using AI to Support Students 

Predictive analytics uses data, statistics, and machine learning to predict future outcomes based on historical data. AI algorithms can analyze how students interact with course materials to find areas where they struggle so teachers can intervene with personalized support. Predictive models can then identify learners at risk of dropping a course and create personalized learning experiences for them. Research shows that using AI for performance prediction and learning analytics can improve student engagement, collaborative learning performance, and student satisfaction. AI-generated predictive analytics also help promote continuous improvement with individual courses. Data collected from previous students can identify course concepts that students frequently struggle with, or components seldom utilized, allowing instructors to modify course materials to better meet the needs of future students. 

How the Tulane MEd Curriculum Prepares to Use AI in Instructional Design

The curriculum for the Master of Education online program at Tulane University includes several courses that prepare students to use AI in instructional design:

• Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for All Learners covers curriculum design, instructional strategies, and assessment practices. The course equips students with the skills needed to understand how AI can be integrated into instructional design to improve educational outcomes for all students.
• Foundations of Instructional Design and Applications introduces students to instructional design principles, including learning technology innovations. It provides a foundational understanding of instruction design processes that can be enhanced with AI.
• Emerging Technology and Learning Perspectives examines cutting-edge technologies, including AI and machine learning, and their applications to learning. Students will explore AI applications for inclusive learning design and will use case studies to examine and discuss real-world learning challenges and innovative solutions using emerging learning technologies and theories.
• Learning Technology Principles and Applications explores learning technologies and how they can be applied to design learning experiences. Students gain hands-on experience in using technology to create more inclusive and engaging education for diverse learners.

These courses help students develop a robust understanding of AI’s role in instructional design and learn to leverage technology to create personalized, engaging, and equitable learning experiences. 

Find Your Focus with a Graduate Certificate in Learning Experience Design

Students interested in learning experience design and the impact of technology on the classroom experience can earn a graduate certificate with their Tulane MEd degree. After completing five required core courses, students fulfill the remaining MEd degree requirements through elective coursework. Choosing four elective courses from the Learning Experience Design specialization qualifies students for the graduate certificate.  

Take the Next Step: Earn Your Master of Education Online with Tulane

AI can significantly enhance learning experiences, identify students who need additional support, enable teachers to focus on more productive tasks, and promote continuous improvement of course materials. No wonder instructional designers find ways to add it to their toolbox.

If you are interested in a rewarding career in instructional design, the Tulane MEd degree can put you on the right path. Connect with the enrollment team to learn more about the Tulane program, or start your application if you’re ready for the next step.