Appendix C: Additional Resources
Recommended reading, professional organizations, design tools, and communities of practice for continuing your instructional design journey.
Recommended Reading
Foundational Texts on Instructional Design:
The Conditions of Learning by Robert M. Gagné The original source for the Nine Events framework. Essential reading for understanding the theoretical foundations.
Principles of Instructional Design by Robert M. Gagné, Walter W. Wager, Katharine C. Golas, and John M. Keller Comprehensive textbook covering systematic instructional design, including detailed treatment of the Nine Events.
Understanding by Design by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe Backward design approach that complements Gagné's framework, emphasizing alignment between objectives, assessment, and instruction.
Cognitive Science of Learning:
Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel Accessible summary of learning science research, including retrieval practice, spacing, and interleaving.
Multimedia Learning by Richard E. Mayer Research-based principles for designing effective multimedia instruction.
Cognitive Load Theory by John Sweller, Paul Ayres, and Slava Kalyuga Technical treatment of working memory limits and their implications for instructional design.
Visible Learning and the Science of How We Learn by John Hattie and Gregory Yates Synthesis of educational research with practical implications for teaching.
Practical Application:
Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen Accessible guide to learning science applied to instructional design.
e-Learning and the Science of Instruction by Ruth Colvin Clark and Richard E. Mayer Evidence-based guidelines for eLearning design.
The Art of Explanation by Lee LeFever Practical guidance on making complex ideas accessible.
Professional Organizations
Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) International organization for instructional design and educational technology professionals.
- Conferences, journals, publications
- Professional development opportunities
- Networking with practitioners and researchers
International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) Focus on performance improvement in organizational contexts.
- Certified Performance Technologist (CPT) credential
- Publications and conferences
- Tools and resources
Association for Talent Development (ATD) Largest professional association for workplace learning.
- CPTD (Certified Professional in Talent Development)
- TD Magazine and research publications
- Conferences and local chapters
eLearning Guild Community focused on eLearning design and development.
- DevLearn and Learning Solutions conferences
- Webinars and online resources
- Research reports
Design Tools and Templates
Lesson Planning:
- Backward Design Template (Wiggins & McTighe)
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines
- ADDIE Model Templates
Assessment Design:
- Bloom's Taxonomy Verb Chart
- Webb's Depth of Knowledge Wheel
- Assessment Blueprint Templates
Visual Design:
- Canva (graphic design for non-designers)
- Piktochart (infographics)
- Mural/Miro (collaborative visual organizing)
eLearning Development:
- Articulate Storyline/Rise
- Adobe Captivate
- iSpring Suite
- Lectora
Video and Multimedia:
- Camtasia (screen recording and editing)
- Loom (quick video creation)
- Vyond/Powtoon (animated videos)
AI Tools for Instructional Design
Content Generation:
- ChatGPT / Claude: Lesson plan drafting, content creation, feedback generation
- Jasper: Marketing-style content for engagement
- Copy.ai: Short-form content variations
Visual Creation:
- Midjourney / DALL-E: Image generation for scenarios and illustrations
- Canva AI: Design assistance and templates
- Beautiful.ai: AI-assisted presentations
Assessment:
- AI-assisted rubric generation
- Automated feedback systems
- Adaptive learning platforms
Important Note: AI tools accelerate design but require human verification. Always:
- Verify accuracy of AI-generated content
- Ensure pedagogical soundness
- Customize to your specific audience
- Test before deployment
Research Databases
For Evidence-Based Practice:
- ERIC (Education Resources Information Center)
- PsycINFO (psychological research)
- Google Scholar
- ResearchGate
Key Journals:
- Educational Psychologist
- Journal of Educational Psychology
- Instructional Science
- Educational Technology Research and Development
- Learning and Instruction
Communities of Practice
Online Forums:
- eLearning Heroes Community (Articulate)
- LinkedIn Learning & Development Groups
- Reddit r/instructionaldesign
- TrainingZone Forums
Conferences:
- DevLearn (eLearning Guild)
- ATD International Conference
- Learning Technologies Conference
- AECT Convention
Podcasts:
- The eLearning Coach (Connie Malamed)
- The Instructional Design Podcast
- Train Like You Listen (Brian Washburn)
- Trending in Education
Evaluation Resources
Kirkpatrick Model:
- Level 1: Reaction (learner satisfaction)
- Level 2: Learning (knowledge/skill acquisition)
- Level 3: Behavior (application on the job)
- Level 4: Results (business impact)
Phillips ROI Methodology:
- Extension of Kirkpatrick to include Return on Investment calculation
- Useful for demonstrating training value to stakeholders
Useful Frameworks:
- Brinkerhoff Success Case Method
- Kaufman's Five Levels of Evaluation
- CIPP Model (Context, Input, Process, Product)
Templates Available in This Book
Refer to Chapter 20 for downloadable/adaptable templates:
- Gagné's Nine Events Lesson Plan Template
- Quick-Design Checklist
- Event-by-Event Design Prompts
- Nine Events Quick-Reference Card
- Feedback Script Generator
- Assessment Alignment Checker
- Time Allocation Guide
- Scaffolding Fade Plan
- Transfer Planning Worksheet
- Lesson Evaluation Checklist
Quick Links for Continued Learning
Free Resources:
- Gagné's Nine Events overview videos (YouTube)
- Learning Scientists blog (retrieval practice research)
- Cognitive Load Theory tutorials
- Universal Design for Learning guidelines (CAST)
Professional Development:
- ATD Learning Design Certificate
- ISPI Certified Performance Technologist
- Academic programs in Instructional Design and Technology
Stay Current:
- Follow key researchers on social media
- Subscribe to professional organization newsletters
- Join local ID/training professional groups
- Attend webinars and virtual conferences
Final Note on Resources
The field of instructional design continues to evolve. New research, technologies, and practices emerge regularly. The resources listed here provide a starting point, not a comprehensive list.
The most important resource is your own practice. Apply the framework, observe what works, adapt to your context, and share what you learn with others.
The community of practitioners benefits when we all contribute our experiences and insights.