Exploring the Tensions in Educational and Instructional Design in Australian Universities

Abstract

Recent trends in higher education have led to notable impacts upon the profession of educational or instructional design. This chapter presents some of the major challenges faced by the profession and explores the tensions arising when current practices are pushed by the momentum of a quality assurance agenda, technology and flexible learning imperatives, an increasing diversity within our student demographics and the emerging models of educational design practice across national contexts. The chapter also discusses the current status of the profession itself, debates and trends towards professionalisation and accreditation, and the manner in which designers and developers operate as a community of practice.