Get the Ultimate Guide
to Applying for an MBA
Download for free
Download you MBA Admissions Guide
The demand for instructional designers is surging. Andres Gonzalez is an instructional designer who earned his M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Tampa. Andres shares his experience at UT and highlights the importance of inclusive education and the potential of tech-integrated learning.
The M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology at the University of Tampa (UT) equips students with the skills to craft impactful and immersive educational and training experiences. By intertwining the principles of instructional design with the prowess of digital technology, this program seamlessly marries time-tested teaching traditions with contemporary digital advancements. The demand for proficient instructional designers grows as the corporate world increasingly acknowledges the importance of well-crafted training modules.
From 2021 to 2031, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth of 6% in employment opportunities for development specialists, a category that includes instructional designers. This rate outpaces the average increase for all occupations.
Andres Gonzalez is one of the professionals thriving in this dynamic domain. He shares his experiences pursuing a master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology at UT.
Back in his native Colombia, Andres taught English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). He originally came to the US to study English but decided to switch gears and instead join the UT’s Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology.
Reflecting on his decision, Andres says, “I found out that the University of Tampa had a lot of programs. This program, in particular, was very interesting because it would combine the design side of teaching and also all the teaching techniques and all the models you need to follow to be a good instructor.” (00:52)
For Andres, the Instructional Design and Technology program allowed him to elevate his teaching expertise into an impactful career. Rather than just being a teacher following an established ESOL curriculum, Andres wanted to play a more prominent role in the educational journey of learners.
Switching academic paths can be complex, especially for international students who are also navigating a new culture. For Andres, the UT offered a supportive environment for his transition from liberal arts to educational science.
Andres’ story echoes the sentiment of many international students who have found the University of Tampa to be an institution committed to nurturing a global community. “UT was very welcoming. They have a nice international students program. They were very approachable. I was able to transfer from the other university, and they made it very easy and natural,” he says. (01:53)
The welcoming atmosphere isn’t just rhetoric at Tampa, the University offers tangible support to international students through its International Programs Office.
A hallmark of UT’s Instructional Design and Technology program is its emphasis on encouraging inclusion and embracing diverse perspectives. This approach enriches the learning environment and fosters a more holistic understanding of the field.
Andres recalls a class where alumni from varying backgrounds to talk about working as instructional designers. “It was very nice to have that experience. To see instructional designers just like you from other countries that were kind of finding their place here in the United States.” (04:02)
Such diverse interactions are more than just moments of shared camaraderie; they form the backbone of a robust educational experience. By absorbing and appreciating these varied viewpoints, students are better poised to create learning experiences that cater to and resonate with diverse audiences.
The field of instructional design extends beyond traditional teaching frameworks. It arms educators with cutting-edge methods tailored to individual learners’ needs. Central to the discipline is the art of recognizing and adapting to various learner profiles. As an example Andres delves into the concept of andragogy, the art of teaching adult learners.
“I was a teacher back in Colombia, but I didn’t know that there was a name for that field in which you teach adults and all the techniques you use,” he says. “You may think it’s the same thing to teach a little kid and to teach an adult but there are different techniques [and approaches] you can use to help them get there.” (05:41)
Andres says little kids are eager to learn and try new things. On the other hand, adults are set in their ways and need to relearn how to learn. A technique Andres shares to help adult learners is to understand their background to find where connections can be made with new information.
In an age where technology is reshaping how we learn, instructional designers are discovering fresh avenues to make an impact. Innovations like online educational platforms, immersive learning technologies, and micro-learning modules are expanding the landscape. Technology is enabling the creation of more engaging and potent educational experiences.
Instructional design offers diverse opportunities for instructors to be agents of change. This is true in both traditional educational settings and within the corporate world.
“I know that now the field is wider, that you can use it for companies to train employees,” Andres shares. “So now I’m kind of going in that direction. Because I was an intern at a company, I realized there’s a lot of opportunities in corporation training.” (09:45)
The growing emphasis on targeted corporate training amplifies the demand for skilled instructional designers. Such professionals are called upon to develop corporate training initiatives to enhance individual competencies and overall organizational effectiveness.
As Andres looks back on his master’s journey, he has advice for current and future UT Instructional Design and Technology students, “Keep your eyes open, keep all your options open. This is a program that allows you to be part of different fields.” (11:31)
Every industry, institution, and corporation requires effective training for newcomers, making instructional design a gateway to myriad career paths. Institutions like the University of Tampa are equipping the next generation of instructional designers with the arsenal and understanding they’ll need to make a difference.
If you want to learn more about the University of Tampa’s master’s programs, head over to their ambassador page to connect with UT students and alumni.
