Instructional Designers Make Designing Online Courses Easier

1. Creates templates for SMEs/instructors to fill in with their content.
2. Ensures online best practices, such as including submission text, discussions each week or module, and developing assignment milestones.
3. Implements materials into the Learning Management System (LMS).

4. Utilizes the LMS to making grading and updating easier. As a result the content will appear cleaner, links will be functional, and videos can be embedded. 
5. Many Instructional Designers (such as myself) know HTML and Java which provides them with the ability to correct formatting, links, add audio, videos, etc. 
6. Updates materials in the learning management system.
7. Applies structure and consistency to the materials which, results in an easier learning experience for students.
8. Students will have to ask their instructor less questions as a result and can focus on learning the materials.
9. Provides Section 504 and ADA compliance for all materials to ensure the learning institution does not get sued. http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html
10.  Administers instructional design theories and pedagogy and andragogy learning theories into the course materials to make the content extremely effective.
    
 
11. Uses grading rubrics to assess projects, assignments and discussions. 
12. Creates balance from week to week to ensure students are not over or underwhelmed.
13. Identifies processes and documentation that meet Higher Learning Commission (HLC) criterion.
14. Verifies originality of materials, applies APA citation, and corrects grammatical errors.