Explore Instructional Design and Technology

In this episode of Live From South College, host Kathleen Stockham pulls back the curtain on that process with Dr. Holly Dennis, Executive Director of Instructional Design and Technology. The conversation offers a rare look at the people, planning, and purpose behind modern higher education—and why instructional design is one of the most critical, and least visible, drivers of student success.

Instructional design sits at the intersection of teaching, technology, and psychology. At its core, it’s about being intentional with how learning happens.

Rather than simply presenting information, instructional design focuses on:

Strong instructional design can mean the difference between a course that feels overwhelming or forgettable and one that feels clear, engaging, and genuinely impactful.

At South College, instructional design ensures students aren’t just consuming information—they’re interacting with it, applying it, and building skills they can carry directly into their careers.

One of the most fascinating aspects of instructional design is that it requires equal parts creative thinking and technical expertise.

On the creative side, instructional designers work with:

On the technical side, they navigate:

The best instructional designers, as Dr. Dennis describes, are “bilingual”—able to speak both the language of educators and the language of technologists. That balance is what creates a seamless learning experience for students.

No two students learn the same way. Some are visual learners. Others prefer discussion, repetition, or hands-on application. Instructional design takes this into account from the very beginning.

Rather than relying on a single method, well-designed courses incorporate:

This variety helps students move beyond memorization and toward true understanding—seeing concepts from multiple perspectives and making meaningful connections.

New academic programs don’t appear overnight. They are the result of months—sometimes years—of planning, collaboration, and refinement.

When South College prepares to launch a new program, instructional design and technology teams are involved from day one. Working alongside faculty, academic leadership, and subject-matter experts, they help:

For hands-on fields like healthcare, this often includes simulations and decision-making exercises that mirror real professional environments—ensuring students are practicing skills, not just learning theory.

Instructional design is an iterative process. Courses and programs go through multiple layers of review and quality assurance before ever reaching students.

These checks ensure that:

It’s a collaborative effort involving instructional designers, faculty, academic leadership, and technology partners—all working together to deliver the best possible outcome.

While instructional design is often associated with colleges and universities, it’s a growing field far beyond traditional education.

Instructional designers are in demand in:

Anywhere people need to learn new skills, adopt new systems, or improve performance, instructional design plays a critical role.

One of the most encouraging takeaways from the conversation is that there’s no single path into instructional design.

Professionals come from backgrounds such as:

Some pursue formal degrees, while others transition naturally into instructional roles through experience and interest. South College supports this pathway through advanced options like doctoral specializations and postdoctoral certificates focused on instructional design and technology.

Flexible, competency-based education (CBE) models make it possible for working professionals to advance their education without putting their lives on hold—learning at their own pace while balancing careers and family.

A Career Built on Curiosity and Lifelong Learning

Dr. Dennis’s own journey—from high school teacher to instructional design leader—highlights an important truth: careers evolve. What begins in one direction can grow into something far more aligned with passion, creativity, and purpose.

Instructional design offers a path for those who want to impact education and learning outcomes without standing at the front of a classroom—shaping experiences that affect thousands of learners behind the scenes.

And perhaps most importantly, it reinforces a powerful message for students at every stage: you don’t have to be a “perfect” student to succeed. Curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning matter far more.

Celebrating Growth: A Major South College Milestone

The episode closes with a moment worth celebrating. South College has officially surpassed 18,000 students across its campuses, online programs, and CBE offerings.

This milestone reflects:

Behind every enrollment number is a story—of career change, personal growth, and determination—and instructional design plays a vital role in supporting each of those journeys.

Final Thought

Instructional design may happen behind the scenes, but its impact is front and center in every student’s experience. From course structure to technology integration, it shapes how learning feels, flows, and ultimately succeeds.

As South College continues to grow, instructional design and technology remain foundational—quietly ensuring that when students log in, the experience meets them where they are and helps them move forward.