Session 1: Introduction to Instructional Design
Instructional Design SIG
Program Overview:
This year’s Instructional Design SIG delivers a full ADDIE‑aligned learning journey designed to elevate the chapter’s instructional design capability through science‑based methods, hands‑on practice, and AI‑enhanced workflows. Each session builds on the last, guiding participants from foundational concepts to fully developed learning assets they can use in their portfolios or workplace. Participants should plan to attend all sessions.
To see an outline of the whole program, please visit this website.
Current Session Information:
Session 1: Introduction to Instructional Design
- Foundations of learning science
- The importance and impact of instructional design
- Core learning theories including:
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- Behaviorism
- Cognitivism
- Constructivism
- Adult Learning Theory
- Bloom’s Taxonomy
TIME: 5:30-6:45 PM CST
Location: Zoom
*Zoom URL will be provided upon registration
Members: FREE with registration
Non-Members: FREE with registration
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ATD Nashville has been pre-approved by the ATD Certification Institute to offer educational programs that can be used towards initial eligibility and recertification of the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) credentials. This program qualifies for a maximum of 1 point.

Host:

Paula O'Brien is an Instructional Designer at A. O. Smith, combining creativity and instructional expertise to develop engaging educational programs and knowledge resources. She has expertise in instructor-led training, content creation (including writing, digital photography, infographic and video production) and eLearning development. With 19 years in instructional design, Paula excels in needs assessment, task analysis, curriculum design, LMS administration, program evaluation, facilitation, and project management.
Paula actively supports her profession by leading the ATD Nashville Instructional Design SIG, where she mentors fellow talent development professionals.
She holds a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design and a Master of Education and Human Development from George Washington University, a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Rollins College, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).