Professionals in various fields have embraced remote work, which brings many appealing benefits. For educators, the flexibility and autonomy of remote work are particularly attractive. It allows them to design their schedules, more effectively balancing professional commitments with personal responsibilities. Teachers, who often face demanding workloads and rigid schedules, can benefit significantly from this flexibility.
Remote work also eliminates commuting, saves time, and reduces stress. Teachers can use this time for professional development or personal pursuits, improving their well-being. Additionally, remote work environments often increase productivity and job satisfaction, as individuals can tailor their workspaces to suit their preferences and needs.
A New Frontier for Educators
Teachers looking for new career opportunities often find it challenging to discover roles that use their skills while offering greater flexibility and creativity. IDOL courses, a virtual vocational school for instructional design and online learning, provides a solution.
Founded by Dr. Robin Sargent, IDOL courses offers teachers a viable alternative career path, allowing them to utilize their educational skillfulness innovatively.
Dr. Sargent, who previously served as an enterprise company's director of learning and development, noticed something. There was a gap in the market for accessible, practical training in instructional design.
"Teachers possess a unique set of skills perfectly suited for instructional design," says Sargent. "Our goal is to help them transition smoothly into this field, where they can continue to impact learning but in a different, often more flexible, capacity."
Practical Training and Real-World Applications
IDOL courses stands out through their hands-on, practical outlook on learning. Unlike traditional degree programs, which can be lengthy and expensive, IDOL Academy offers a streamlined curriculum designed to provide immediate, actionable skills.
The program includes modules on multimedia production, gamification, and course design. These make certain that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of modern instructional design.
Students complete projects that mimic actual job tasks, such as creating instructional materials, designing interactive eLearning courses, and developing assessment tools. Continuous feedback and mentorship from industry professionals help students refine their skills and build portfolios that stand out to potential employers.
Flexible Learning for Busy Professionals
IDOL Academy offers significant flexibility, recognizing that many of its students are working professionals. The academy provides both structured and self-paced learning options. The flagship program, IDOL Academy, offers a cohort-based experience with scheduled classes and live practice sessions. Meanwhile, IDOL On-Demand allows students to learn independently, fitting their studies around their existing commitments.
This flexibility benefits teachers looking to transition gradually into a new career. "Our programs are designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals," explains Sargent. "Whether they want to dive in full-time or take it slow, we have options that fit their needs."
A Growing Field with Promising Opportunities
The demand for instructional designers is rising, driven by the increasing prevalence of online education and corporate training programs. According to industry data, the field of instructional design will grow significantly over the next decade, offering numerous job opportunities for qualified individuals. This growth is fueled by technological advancements transforming how educational content is created and delivered.
IDOL Academy graduates are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. The program boasts a 100% job placement rate within six months of graduation, demonstrating the high demand for skilled instructional designers. Graduates have secured positions at top-tier companies such as IBM, Coursera, and ELB Learning, applying their skills to develop innovative learning solutions.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry
IDOL Academy focuses on bridging the gap between education and industry. The academy partners with numerous companies to provide its students with internship and job placement opportunities. These partnerships provide students with practical experience and help them build professional networks that can be invaluable in their job search.
The academy's comprehensive support system includes career coaching, resume building, and interview preparation, seeing to it that graduates are fully prepared to enter the job market.
"We don't just teach our students the technical skills they need," says Sargent. "We also help them navigate the job search process, from building a standout portfolio to acing their interviews."
Transforming Careers and Lives
For many teachers, the transition to instructional design represents more than just a career change; it offers a chance to transform their lives. The flexibility of remote work, combined with the creative and analytical nature of instructional design, makes it an appealing option for those seeking a better work-life balance.
IDOL Academy has helped over 3,300 students make this transition, with many reporting significant improvements in their quality of life. Graduates have praised the program for its comprehensive training, supportive community, and tangible impact on their careers.
"Joining IDOL Academy was the best career decision I've ever made," says Amanda McCroskey, a senior instructional designer and program graduate. "It gave me the skills, experience, and confidence I needed to succeed in this field."
IDOL Academy provides a valuable service to teachers looking for new career paths. Offering practical, flexible training in instructional design opens up new opportunities for educators to leverage their skills innovatively and impactfully. As the demand for instructional designers grows, IDOL Academy helps shape the future of education and training. Are you ready to make the transition? Apply today!
