I also agree with both of you in saying “Many of the things that academic instructional design programs prepare people to do are not necessarily the same set of skills that employers look for when hiring an instructional designer.”

The real world of work and design is one where our human experience, training, and potential must all be brought to bear on the challenge of the moment… It isn’t usually very “clean” is it? Most of us have to work in organizations–or with organizations–that have missions, values and actual problems, and we need to be able to operate in those arenas. And when organizations use technology to help solve their problems (as most do), we need to go there with them. I’ve seen instructional designers argue the philosophies of learning with people who really don’t care, as they say things like “let’s not get caught up in the bells and whistles.” …A great discussion to have around a table with other instructional designers, but a foolish discussion to have in an operational context with a manager who just wants to get things done. We cannot afford to come across as the technology contrarians.

Thank you for this great essay.