25+ Best ChatGPT Prompts for Instructional Designers

Instructional design is a niche that one can describe with the words - interesting, daunting, and essential. This skill, or the lack thereof, can be the reason one’s learning experience is either engaging and effective or boring and unproductive. This makes it non-negotiable in eLearning. With an ever-dynamic landscape, specific trends in instructional design tend to emerge from time to time. The one of relevance to this topic is none other than ChatGPT.

To improve efficiency and creativity without compromising on the fluidity of the workflow, instructional designers have learned how to leverage ChatGPT in their work. It’s a tool that goes beyond mere conversational interactions and extends to content generation, ideation, and engaging dialogue creation. 

With a good understanding of ChatGPT fundamentals and their applications in instructional design, one can harness the full potential of the tool in creating an unbeatable learning experience. It begins with knowing the right ChatGPT prompts for instructional designers, and that's the purpose of this article. 

What is a ChatGPT Prompt?

A ChatGPT prompt is much more than just a line of text; it's the starting point of a conversation with an advanced AI. When you type in a prompt, you're essentially giving ChatGPT a nudge in a certain direction, whether it's asking for advice, seeking information, or requesting creative content. Think of it as initiating a dialogue with a highly knowledgeable assistant who's ready to delve into a wide array of topics.

For instructional designers, mastering the art of crafting effective ChatGPT prompts is akin to unlocking a treasure trove of possibilities. Whether it's generating engaging educational content, brainstorming instructional strategies, or simplifying complex concepts for learners, the right prompt can transform ChatGPT into an invaluable resource.

It's a blend of precision and creativity, guiding the AI to provide practical, contextually relevant, and sometimes even innovative responses. In essence, a well-thought-out prompt is your key to making the most out of this cutting-edge tool in the realm of education and beyond.

The Importance of ChatGPT Prompts for Instructional Designers

There are several reasons ChatGPT prompts are some of the best resources for instructional design:

Streamlined Content Generation

ChatGPT is highly proficient in language processing, making it capable of producing a contextually rich and coherent body of text. This doesn't just streamline content generation but also reduces the time one will normally spend on creating the content manually. One can use ChatGPT to formulate comprehensive explanations or draft concise learning goals. 

Improved Content Ideation and Creativity

It’s safe to state that without creativity, one cannot create an engaging learning experience for their target audience. Fortunately, ChatGPT offers a wide canvas for idea generation. Through the generation of content, the tool enhances the creative process and assists in the development of compelling course materials, case studies, and even interactive course elements.

This eliminates creative blocks in instructional designers and brings to light innovative approaches as well as fresh perspectives that will thrill the target audience. 

Enhances Prototyping and Iteration

Developing an efficient and engaging learning material requires prototyping and iteration. Instructional designers must first create their content, then test it on a sample audience, and modify it according to customer feedback. Alternatively, they can build their project and keep improving on it until the goal is achieved. 

What ChatGPT offers for both processes is immense. Instructional designers can use ChatGPT to create prototype content that can be iterated upon. They can test various learning scenarios, experiment with diverse ideas, work with instant feedback, fast-track the development cycle of their work, and fine-tune their content until it satisfies the learning objectives. 

Enables the Creation of Inclusive eLearning Content

ChatGPT has an uncanny ability to create diverse and context-rich content that caters to a wide audience and accommodates various learning styles and preferences. With the aid of this tool, instructional designers can create an inclusive learning environment where the content connects with learners from different backgrounds and abilities. With ChatGPT prompts for instructional designers, one can create an educational experience for everyone in a single course. 

Suitable ChatGPT Prompts for Different Scenarios 

Below is a list of the appropriate prompts for specific instances:

Idea Generation for Learning Module Topics

This will include suitable topics in the relevant field.

Example 1: Provide four topics in the field of (Biology) for the target audience of (high school students) with the learning objectives of (understanding animal & plant classifications and subclassifications).

Example 2: Based on the subject area of (social media marketing) for the target audience of (business owners, digital marketing enthusiasts, PR professionals, content creators, influencers, students, etc.) and the learning objective of (audience targeting, adapting to emerging trends on social media, etc.), Suggest five topics that resonate with current societal trends and accommodates various learning preferences.

Creating a Course Outline 

This will include prompts for making detailed course outlines, which should contain the main topic, sub-topics, lesson objectives, and the order of instructions or lessons.

Example 1: You’re tasked with creating a comprehensive outline for a 12-week course on (SEO Mastery). Provide a suitable sequence of instructions covering the key areas in SEO (Basic SEO, On-Page SEO, Technical SEO, Off-page SEO, etc.). Add learning exercises and assessments.

Example 2: Using the (ARCS Model), create a detailed outline for a 5-week course on (Amazon KDP). Include instructions on sub-topics (keyword research, crafting a book title, preparing your manuscript, publishing your book, book marketing, etc.). Round up each section with engaging assessments.

Example 3: Draft an introductory outline for a 4-week course on (Cybersecurity) with a sequence of instructions on (understanding the fundamentals of cybersecurity, common cyber threats, core concepts of cybersecurity, network securing basics, etc.).  

Example 4: Give me a full course outline on (Copywriting) that meets the learning objectives of (understanding the principles of persuasive writing and knowing how to create compelling content that can convert leads). 

Promoting Course Content

To market a course to its target audience, one needs to grasp how to draft persuasive content that highlights the unique selling points of the instructional material.

Example 1: As a course promotion specialist, you’re tasked with creating a promotional article on the course titled (Data Analysis in SEO) for a target audience of (bloggers, SEO specialists, digital marketers, freelancers, etc.) with unique selling points such as (practical hands-on approach, lifetime access to resources, and networking opportunities to mingle with established SEO data analysts).

Example 2: Create a blog post promoting my course “Building a Brand Through Storytelling” targeted at (marketing enthusiasts, content marketers, entrepreneurs, etc.). Highlight perks such as (a personalized curriculum, self-paced microlearning, certification, etc.)

Creating Learning Objectives

To a large extent, the lesson objectives determine the kind of content one curates for their target audience.

Example 1: Give me five excellent learning objectives for (Lesson Topic) in alignment with (SCORM) learning standards.

Example 2: Rewrite this learning objective to make it measurable (input the existing learning objective after the prompt and send)

Example 3: You’re a learning objective expert. List suitable learning objectives that align with (Design Prodigy: Canva Mastery for Stunning Visuals) that are achievable and measurable for a target audience of (aspiring graphic designers and small business owners)

Example 4: Give me clear and concise lesson objectives for the instructional content titled (Video Editing Wizardry: From Novice to Maestro) which meets the educational needs of (target audience)

Creating Course Content 

Here are examples of prompts that can help you develop a high-quality body of text and other elements for your course title and outline:

Example 1: Using the learning model of (connectivism), create detailed and in-depth course content using simple language and an easy-to-understand writing style for the (course title)

Example 2: As an expert content writer, I need help drafting educational content for (Canva Ninja: Advanced Techniques for Design Mastery) to meet the learning objectives of (navigating video editing software, audio mixing and editing, understanding green screen footage, color grading, etc.)

Example 3: Write a course content on (Multicam Editing) incorporating the principles of (humanism) learning theory.

Example 4: Give a detailed explanation for the entire course outline on the topic (Cinematic Brilliance: Advanced Techniques in Video Editing) 

Example 5: Generate content on the topic (The Basics of Coding) targeted at (high schoolers) with the learning objectives of (writing simple codes, applying foundational codes to create programs that perform simple tasks, etc.).

Interactive Activity Design

To enhance the engagement level of one’s target audience, designing interactive activities are necessary. Here are some prompts that can help with that. 

Example 1: Give me inspiration for an interactive individual activity centered on the real-time application of (Sustainable Business Practices). 

Example 2: Develop a good and engaging interactive learning activity on the topic (Data Analytics of Business Decision-Making) for the (target audience)

Example 3: Suggest learning activities suitable for the course title (Strategic Business Management in the Digital Age) that fulfill the (learning objectives)

Assessment Design

An assessment design is essential because it ensures that your students are on track to the intended lesson objectives. Below are some examples of ChatGPT prompts for instructional designers. 

Example 1: Generate an assessment design for the course title (Digital Marketing Fundamentals) 

Example 2: You’re an assessment design expert. Create an assessment design on (course topic) that measures the (learning objectives) for (target audience)

Example 3: Suggest an assessment design that will be ideal for evaluating (learning objectives)

Example 4: Provide ideas for assessment designs that can be used in the type of learning environment (learner-centered environment)

Drafting a Lesson Plan 

Get inspiration from the following example to create detailed, well-written, and high-quality lesson plans.

Example 1: Generate a complete lesson plan on the (topic) incorporating the instructional design model (Bloom's Taxonomy) alongside assessment methods, design activities, and instructional strategies

Instructional Strategies

Example 1: Suggest five instructional strategies that I can use for my advanced training on (Course title)

Conclusion

The versatility of ChatGPT prompts for instructional designers knows no bounds, making it a very useful tool for those who know their way around it.

To offer a dynamic approach across diverse disciplines, give premium value to your target audience, adapt to their evolving learning needs, and fulfill the learning objectives, the mastery of ChatGPT in instructional design is pivotal and necessary.

This is just a glimpse into how ChatGPT can help instructional designers.