10 Best Books for Instructional Designers

Published: 

Here are some of the books by reading which, we can strengthen our basics in Instructional Design and successfully apply them practically.

Published: 
10 Best Books for Instructional Designers

As an instructional designer, what are the best books that you can refer to? How do you consider them to be the best?

Here are my quick tips to the above questions:

1. Basics

In order to successfully practice any subject, you need to have a complete understanding of its basics. The basics of a subject are its foundational concepts which can be identified and acknowledged to be excellent in that field. Thus, pick up the book which has a strong base for basic learning.

2. Easy readers

Opt for easy readers. Easy readers, are just the way they sound – easy to read and with minimal amount of distraction.

3. Lots of real examples

A good book must demonstrate how learned knowledge applies to the real world. Practical books with lots of real examples could be the best.

Well, if you’re looking for some good books on Instructional Design, here’s my Top 10.

S. No.Name of the bookAuthorEssence of the book
1e-Learning and the Science of InstructionRuth Clark and Richard MayerGuidelines and essential information for selecting, developing and designing effective e-learning courses
2Michael Allen’s Guide to E-LearningMichael AllenPractical Guidelines to create powerful e-learning-based performance solutions
3Gadgets, Games & Gizmos for LearningKarl KappDescribes how gadgets, games and gizmos can be used to train the new generation workforce
4The Conditions of Learning and Theory of InstructionRobert GagneIncludes nine instructional events along with their cognitive processes and applications.
5Training Complex Cognitive SkillsJeroen J.G. van MerrienboerDescribes the 4C/ID model which presents guidelines and heuristics for developing training programs for complex cognitive skills
6The First Principles of InstructionM.David MerrillA set of prescriptive principles on Instructional Design
7The Design of Everyday ThingsDonald NormanContains the cognitive aspects of design, examples of good and bad design and some simple rules to improve the usage of diverse objects
8e-Learning by DesignWilliam HortonPractical guidance to design effective e-learning also includes lots of real-world examples and case studies.
9What Every Manager Should Know About TrainingRobert MagerGuidelines to reap the benefits of using training and performance improvement resources
10The Non-Designers Design BookRobin WilliamsIncludes the basic principles that govern good design

Thus, by reading these books, we can strengthen our basics in Instructional Design and successfully apply them practically.

Apart from my Top 10, there are a good number of books for Instructional Design, each making its own contribution to the world of e-learning design and development. Which one is your favorite? Do share your thoughts on this.

Instructional Design 101: A Handy Reference Guide to E-learning Designers

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