Books

This is the collection of the best instructional design books. Click on the titles for more information.

  Real World Instructional Design
Kathy Cenammo, Deby Kalk		   The Conditions of Learning: Training Applications
Robert Gagne and Karen Medsker
  The Systematic Design of Instruction
Walter Dick, Lou Carey, James Carey		   Instructional-Design Theories and Models: A New Paradigm of Instructional Theory, Vol. 2
Charlie Reigeluth
  Rapid Instructional Design: Learning ID Fast and Right
George M. Piskurich		   Learning to Solve Problems: An Instructional Design Guide
David H. Jonassen
  Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology (2nd Edition)
Robert Reiser and John V. Dempsey		   Instructional Design
Patricia Smith, Tillman Ragan
  Principles of Instructional Design
Robert Gagne, Walter Wager, Katharine Golas, and John M. Keller		   Designing Effective Instruction
Gary Morrison, Steven Ross, Jerrold Kemp, and Howard Kalman
  5 Elements of Instructional Design
Hilary R. Estey		   Basics of Instructional Systems Development
Chuck Hodell
  • Instructional Design: A Problem Solving Approach by Tennyson 2000
  • Instructional Design Theories and Models: An Overview of Their Current Status by Charles Reigeluth 1983

Books on Usability

  Don’t Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability
Steve Krug		   Open Here: The Art of Instructional DesignPaul Mijksenaar, Piet Westendorp
  Designing Web Usability
Jakob Nielsen		   Designing for Interaction: Creating Smart Applications and Clever Devices
Dan Saffer

 

Other Instructional Design Books

  • A Trainer’s Guide to Web-Based Instruction (Learning Technologies) by Jay Alden 1998
  • Affective and Cognitive Domains: Integration for Instruction and Research by Barbara Martin and Leslie J. Briggs 1986
  • Beyond Hardware: Using Existing Technology to Promote Higher-Level Thinking by Christopher Moersch 2002
  • Beyond Training and Development: The Groundbreaking Classic on Human Performance Enhancement by William J. Rothwell 2004
  • Building Expert Systems in Training and Education by R. Scott Grabinger, Brent W. Wilson, and David H. Jonassen 1990
  • Challenges of Teaching with Technology Across the Curriculum: Issues and Solutions by Lawrence A. Tomei 2002
  • Classic Writings on Instructional Technology by Donald P. Ely and Tjeerd Plomp 2001
  • Cognitive Task Analysis (Expertise: Research and Applications Series) by Jan Maarten Schraagen, Valerie L. Shalin, and Susan F. Chipman 2000
  • Computers as Mindtools for Schools: Engaging Critical Thinking, 2nd Ed by David H. Jonassen 1999
  • Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning in Higher Education by Tim S. Roberts 2005
  • Constructivism and the Technology of Instruction: A Conversation by Thomas M. Duffy and David H. Jonassen – 1992
  • Constructivist Learning Environments: Case Studies in Instructional Design by Brent G. Wilson 1996
  • Creating a Learning Culture: Strategy, Technology, and Practice by James G. Clawson and Marcia L. Conner 2004
  • Creating the Virtual Classroom: Distance Learning with the Internet by Lynnette R. Porter 1997
  • Crisp: Developing Instructional Design: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success (The Fifty Minute Series) by Geri McArdle 1991
  • Christopher Alexander – Notes on the synthesis of form
  • Walter Vincenti – What Engineers know and how they know it.
  • Design and Development Research: Methods, Strategies, and Issues by Rita C. Richey and James D. Klein 2007
  • Designing for Older Adults: Principles and Creative Human Factors Approaches by Arthur Fisk, Wendy A. Rogers, Neil Charness, and Sara J. Czaja 2004
  • Design and Do Something Interesting (Michael Allen’s E-Learning Library) by Michael W. Allen 2007
  • Developing and Measuring Training the Six Sigma Way: A Business Approach to Training and Development by Kaliym A. Islam and Edward A. Trolley 2006
  • Developing/Implementing a Corporate University by Jeffrey W. Grenzer 2006
  • Distance Training: How Innovative Organizations are Using Technology to Maximize Learning and Meet Business Objectives by Deborah A. Schreiber and Zane L. Berge 1998
  • Educational Psychology: A Learning-Centered Approach to Classroom Practice by Peter Roop, Marcy P. Driscoll Rick R. McCown 1995
  • Essentials of Learning for Instruction by Robert M. Gagne and M. Driscoll 1988
  • The Conditions of Learning and Theory of Instruction by Robert M. Gagne 1985
  • Engaging Learning: Designing e-Learning Simulation Games (Pfeiffer Essential Resources for Training and HR Professionals) by Clark N. Quinn and Marcia L. Conner 2005
  • Engines for Education by Roger C. Schank and Chip Cleary 1995
  • First Things Fast: A Handbook for Performance Analysis by Allison Rossett 1998
  • Graphics for Learning: Proven Guidelines for Planning, Designing, and Evaluating Visuals in Training Materials by Ruth Clark and Chopeta Lyons 2004
  • Handbook of Human Performance Technology, 3rd Edition by James A. Pershing 2006
  • Handbook of Human Performance Technology: Improving Individual and Organizational Performance Worldwide by Harold D. Stolovitch and Erica J. Keeps 1999
  • Handbook of Procedures for the Design of Instruction by Leslie J. Briggs 1981
  • Handbook of Research on Educational Communications and Technology (Project of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology) by David H. Jonassen and Phillip Harris 2003
  • How to Start a Training Program by Carolyn Nilson 1999
  • Human Performance Improvement, Second Edition: Building Practitioner Competence by William J. Rothwell, Carolyn K. Hohne, and Stephen B. King 2007
  • Instructional Design Competencies: The Standards (3rd Edition) by Rita C. Richey, Dennis C. Fields, and Marguerite Foxon 2001
  • Instructional Technology: The Definition and Domains of the Field by Barbara B. Seels and Rita C. Richey 1994
  • Instructional Theories in Action: Lessons Illustrating Selected Theories and Models by Charles M. Reigeluth 1987
  • Job Aids and Performance Support: Moving From Knowledge in the Classroom to Knowledge Everywhere (Essential Knowledge Resource) by Allison Rossett and Lisa Schafer 2006
  • Learner-Centered Theory and Practice in Distance Education: Cases From Higher Education by Thomas M. Duffy and Jamie R. Kirkley 2003
  • Making Instructional Design Decisions (2nd Edition) by Barbara Seels and Zita Glasgow 1997
  • Needs Assessment Basics (ASTD Training Basics) by Deborah Tobey 2005
  • Preparing Instructional Objectives: A Critical Tool in the Development of Effective Instruction by Robert F. Mager 1997
  • Psychological Principles in System Development by Robert M. Gagne 1965
  • Robert M. Gagne and M. David Merrill–In Conversation by Robert M. Gagne, David Twitchell, and M. David Merrill 1991
  • Selecting Media for Instruction by Robert A. Reiser and Robert M. Gagne 1983
  • Structural Knowledge: Techniques for Representing, Conveying, and Acquiring Structural Knowledge by David H. Jonassen, Katherine Beissner, and Michael Yacci 1993
  • Teaching Concepts: An Instructional Design Guide by M. David Merrill, Robert D. Tennyson, and Larry O. Posey 1992
  • The Guidebook for Performance Improvement: Working with Individuals and Organizations by Roger Kaufman,Sivasailam “Thiagi” Thiagarajan, and Paula MacGillis 1996
  • The I.D. Casebook: Case Studies in Instructional Design (3rd Edition) by Peggy A. Ertmer and James Quinn 2006
  • The Legacy of Robert M. Gagne by Rita Richey 2000
  • The Performance Consultant’s Fieldbook: Tools and Techniques for Improving Organizations and People (Essential Knowledge Resource) by Judith Hale 2006
  • Trends & Issues in Educational Technology, 1989 by Donald P. Ely 1989
  • Web-based Learning: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation by Gayle Davidson-Shivers and Karen Rasmussen 2005

Crawford, Chris, The Art of Interactive Design, No Starch Press, 2002.

The Timeless Way of Building, by Christopher Alexander
Though it’s about architecture, it provides an excellent metaphor for designing anything.

The Design of Everyday Things, by Don Norman
This classic offers numerous examples to illustrate the principles of designing user-friendly systems. While most of the book discusses industrial design, the content also applies to information design. An interesting read!

Things That Make Us Smart, by Don Norman
This book is probably the most readable of the group. It deals with the use of technology in education, and several sections cover active learning environments.

Mindstorms, by Seymour Papert
Another classic in the field! The book discusses the use of LOGO–a computer programming language for children–as a tool for active learning. Papert also reviews and offers solutions for some of the problems with modern education. Besides being a quick read, this book has its entertaining moments. To truly appreciate this book, it helps to know LOGO.

Engines for Education, by Roger Schank
This is one of the few books offering an instructional design model for creating systems that empower learners. This invaluable resource is also available on the web.

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