What is the main purpose of instructional design in course development?

The main purpose of instructional design in course development is to ensure that courses are pedagogically sound. This involves applying educational theories and principles to create effective learning experiences that align with the needs of learners. By focusing on how individuals learn and what methods are most effective for different content types, instructional designers plan and organize instructional materials to facilitate learning outcomes. This encompasses assessing learners’ needs, defining learning objectives, selecting appropriate teaching methods, and evaluating the effectiveness of the course.

Creating visually appealing slides, increasing the number of courses offered, and focusing solely on technical features may contribute to a course, but they do not directly address the core goal of enhancing learning. Instructional design prioritizes the educational process and learner engagement over merely aesthetic or logistical considerations.