Courseware Authoring Training and Career Facts
Courseware authoring refers to creating instructional multimedia and Internet applications. You can study courseware authoring as an undergraduate or graduate student, often through a degree program in instructional technology. Read about on-campus and online degree programs in this field. Learn more about how you could use training in courseware authoring in your career.
What You Need to Know
Courseware authoring programs prepare you to integrate computer-based learning into training programs for both students and employees. You can prepare yourself for employment in this field by completing either a bachelor's or a master's degree. Online options exist at both educational levels.
| Degrees | Bachelor's and master's degrees in instructional design and technology |
| Courses | Principles of instructional design, evaluation of e-learning, adult learning and instruction, advanced instructional design, emerging issues in educational technology, design concepts and application for online learning |
| Career Outlook (2019-2029)* | 6% job growth, which is faster than average |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Who Benefits from Courseware Authoring?
Anyone in an educational or training-related profession can benefit from learning how to use digital media instructional applications. If you're a teacher, you can introduce your classroom to the virtual world without compromising participation through interactive videos and online quizzes. Similarly, if you need to train your employees, you could learn how to include interactive presentations and simulations in online training courses. If you work in a technology field and want to learn how to apply your knowledge in corporate, training or military settings, you may want to study courseware authoring.
What Training Programs Are Available?
Courseware authoring classes are often included in Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology programs. Possible course topics include:
- Teaching with technology
- Online instruction
- Adult learning applications
- Interactive distance learning
You can expect to use authoring software, like Adobe Captive or Macromedia Studio, to plan and develop online courses. You will learn basic authoring elements, like how to add animation, sound and video to presentations. You may also learn how to personalize instruction for different learning styles.
How Do Online Programs Work?
Bachelor's and master's programs in instructional design and technology are available in a distance learning format. In some cases, you may have to be online at specific times to participate in class; some programs require attendance at campus-based sessions. You may need certain plug-ins, like QuickTime or Java, in order to view multimedia aspects of a course. There may also be specific requirements regarding software updates and e-mail attachments.
What Can I Do with My Training?
With a background in curriculum development, you may be qualified to work for textbook companies, e-learning companies or in the education field. Alternatively, you might find work as a trainer in the business world. Possible career titles could include:
- Instructional technology trainer
- Instructional designer
- Curriculum developer
- Teacher
- Instructional coordinator
- Course editor
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), teachers who work in public schools need to have a teaching license (www.bls.gov). Instructional coordinators need either a teaching license or an education administrator license; requirements vary from state to state.
The BLS states that career growth in the decade between 2019 and 2029 for instructional coordinators is set to grow by 6%, which is faster than average growth. The median annual salary for instructional coordinators was reported as $66,290 per year in May 2019 by the BLS.