Even though many instructional designers are worried and that AI will replace them, I don’t believe that this will happen any time soon. I believe that AI is here to support you. Think of it like an assistant who can help brainstorm, organize, and even write a first draft, but still needs your expertise to make it truly effective.
That said, AI isn’t magic. It’s a tool, not a crutch. To get real value out of it, you still need to know what makes learning effective, how to tailor content to your audience, and when human judgment matters most. But when used thoughtfully, AI can help you move faster, get unstuck creatively, and free up more time to focus on high-impact decisions.
Whether you’re designing academic courses, corporate training, or online programs, here are 10 easy ways to incorporate AI into your workflow, without needing to be a tech expert.
1. Generate Learning Objectives Aligned to Bloom’s Taxonomy
Prompt:
Imagine you are an instructional designer. Write 3 learning objectives at the ‘analyze’ level of Bloom’s Taxonomy for a course on workplace communication.
Recommended Tools:
ChatGPT, Claude, or Notion AI
2. Outline Course Structures in Minutes
Prompt:
Imagine you are a course creator. Create a 6-module course outline for beginner-level employees on data privacy compliance. Include module titles and 3 bullet points per module.
Perfect for rapid prototyping or pitching a course idea to stakeholders.
Recommended Tools:
ChatGPT, Coursebox, Magicschool.ai
3. Write Scenario-Based Assessments
Prompt:
Imagine you are an instructional designer. Write a realistic workplace scenario for a customer service training. Include a multiple-choice question and feedback for each answer.
Instructional designers often struggle to write effective applied assessments. AI speeds this up significantly.
Recommended Tools:
ChatGPT, Conker.ai, QuestionWell
4. Convert Long-Form Content into Microlearning
Prompt:
Imagine you are an instructional designer. Break this content into five short microlearning lessons. Include learning objectives and quiz questions.
Paste a policy, transcript, or technical document, and watch AI help chunk it into digestible learning.
Recommended Tools:
ChatGPT (Pro with file upload), ScribeHow, Synthesia (for converting into videos)
5. Create Image Prompts for eLearning Visuals
Prompt:
Imagine you are a course creator. Write a prompt for an AI image generator to create a realistic scene of a nurse de-escalating a patient in a hospital setting.
Use AI to communicate visual ideas clearly or create mockups without needing a designer.
Recommended Tools:
Midjourney, DALL·E, Ideogram
6. Draft Voiceover Scripts with Tone Adjustments
Prompt:
Imagine you are a learning designer. Write a friendly and conversational voiceover script for a 2-minute video on workplace ergonomics. Make it sound empathetic and engaging for remote employees.
Quickly tailor tone, pacing, and messaging to different audiences.
Recommended Tools:
ChatGPT, ElevenLabs (for AI voice), Descript
7. Generate Realistic Learner Personas
Prompt:
Imagine you are an instructional designer. Create 3 learner personas for a blended course on time management targeted at new managers in a retail company.
Use these to guide content choices and make your courses more relevant.
Recommended Tools:
ChatGPT, UserPersona.dev
8. Rewrite Content for Accessibility and Plain Language
Prompt:
Imagine you are an instructional designer. Simplify this paragraph to a 6th grade reading level and ensure it meets accessibility standards.
This is essential when designing for audiences with disabilities or meeting compliance standards.
Recommended Tools:
ChatGPT, Hemingway Editor, Grammarly
9. Repurpose Course Content for Marketing
Prompt:
Imagine you are a content strategist. Turn this course introduction into a LinkedIn post promoting the course to HR managers.
Great for marketing your content without starting from scratch.
Recommended Tools:
ChatGPT, Jasper, Copy.ai
10. Create a Visual Course Map or Flowchart
Prompt:
Imagine you are an instructional designer. List all modules and their sequence for a 5-week leadership course and suggest how I can visualize them in a flowchart.
This helps stakeholders and SMEs see the structure of your course at a glance.
Recommended Tools:
Whimsical, Lucidchart, Miro (use alongside ChatGPT)
Final Thoughts
Many course creators worry that it might take over the creative parts of their work. But here’s the truth: AI isn’t here to replace your skills. It’s here to enhance them. And remember, you’re still the instructional designer. AI is just here to make your life a little lighter.
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