Instructional designers have the critical task of creating engaging and effective learning experiences. ChatGPT can be an instrumental tool to help you achieve this goal.
This guide has over 25 ChatGPT prompts aimed at assisting instructional designers with lesson planning, curriculum development, and boosting learner engagement through instructional strategies.
Skip ahead here:
- Five usecases for instructional designers using AI
- Using Instructional Design Models and Frameworks and ChatGPT
- Applying Bloom’s Taxonomy
- Implementing the Dick and Carey Model
- Applying Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction
- Using Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction
- Applying the Rapid Instructional Design (RID) Model
- Utilizing Kemp’s Instructional Design Model
- Employing the ASSURE Model
- Implementing the ARCS Model
- Applying the TPACK Model
- Utilizing the Rapid Prototyping Model
- Implementing the Action Mapping Model
- Curriculum Development
- Instructional Strategies
Wondering how you can use AI in your role as an instructional designer? Discover five use cases below:
Five use cases for instructional designers using AI
| Use Case | Example Prompt |
| 1. Ideation for Learning Module Topics ChatGPT can assist the ID in brainstorming potential topics for new learning modules. This can greatly save time and help in exploring fresh and engaging ideas. Inputs include the subject area, audience, and learning objectives. | You are an expert in generating innovative learning module topics. Based on the subject area of [Computer Science], the target audience of [college students], and the learning objectives of [understanding the basics of algorithms and data structures], please suggest 5 potential topics. |
| 2. Course Outline Creation ChatGPT can help create detailed course outlines, making it easier for the ID to visualize and plan the course. Inputs include the course topic, audience, and course objectives. | You’re tasked with creating a detailed outline for a course titled [Introduction to Graphic Design] aimed at [beginners], with the objective of [teaching basic design principles and software skills]. Please provide a comprehensive course outline. |
| 3. Content Creation for Learning Modules ChatGPT can help in generating draft content for specific learning modules, helping the ID in speeding up the content creation process. Inputs include the topic, learning objectives, and target audience. | Your task is to generate a draft of content for a learning module titled [Introduction to Python Programming] for [high school students], with the objective of [understanding basic Python syntax and concepts]. Please create a draft lesson. |
| 4. Assessment Question Generation ChatGPT can assist in creating assessment questions, saving time and ensuring a variety of questions. Inputs include the learning module topic, complexity level, and type of assessment. | You are an expert in creating engaging assessment questions. Based on the learning module on [Web Development] for [intermediate level students], please create 5 [multiple choice] assessment questions. |
Using Instructional Design Models and Frameworks and ChatGPT
Instructional Design models can provide a structured process for designing effective and engaging learning experiences. ChatGPT can help you generate a lesson plan based on your chosen instructional model, be it ADDIE, SAM, ARCS, or others.
The prompt is designed to be versatile and can be adapted to various contexts.
“You are an expert instructional designer using the [specific instructional design model]. Your task is to create a lesson plan for the module titled [Module Title]. This module is part of a broader course aimed at [Target Audience].
The learning objectives for this module are [Learning Objective 1, Learning Objective 2, Learning Objective 3]. Here are some key terms this module should cover: [Key Term 1, Key Term 2, Key Term 3].
Using the principles of the [specific instructional design model], please create a lesson plan including the following sections:
Title: [Module Title]
Learning Objectives: As stated above
Key Terms: As stated above
Lesson Content: Detailed content covering the lesson objectives and key terms
Activity Suggestions: Engaging activities to reinforce the learned concepts
Assessment Methods: Methods to assess the understanding and knowledge retention of the learners.
Remember to follow the steps or principles of the [specific instructional design model] throughout your lesson plan creation.”
Here are some more specific instructional design models you can use with ChatGPT:
Bloom’s Taxonomy is a framework for categorizing educational goals into levels of complexity and specificity. ChatGPT can help in creating lesson plans or assessments based on this taxonomy.
Example prompt:
“Design a lesson plan for teaching [the concept of photosynthesis to high school students]. Include learning objectives for each level of Bloom’s Taxonomy: [knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation].”
The Dick and Carey Model is a systematic instructional design model involving nine steps. ChatGPT can aid in creating a course design plan that follows this model.
Example prompt:
“Design a course plan for [a digital marketing certification program], utilizing the Dick and Carey Model. Include each of the nine steps: [instructional goals, instructional analysis, learner analysis, performance objectives, assessment instruments, instructional strategy, instructional materials, formative evaluation, and instruction revision].”
Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction model emphasizes problem-centered learning. ChatGPT can assist in designing an instruction sequence based on these principles.
Example prompt:
“Craft a lesson plan for [a training program on conflict resolution], applying Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction. Incorporate each of the five principles: [activation, demonstration, application, integration, and reflection].”
Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction is a model for designing effective teaching sequences. ChatGPT can assist in creating a lesson plan that incorporates these nine events.
Example prompt:
“Design a lesson plan for [a workshop on public speaking] using Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction. Detail how each event [gain attention, inform learners of the objectives, stimulate recall of prior learning, present the content, provide learning guidance, elicit performance, provide feedback, assess performance, enhance retention and transfer] is applied.”
The Rapid Instructional Design Model emphasizes efficiency and speed in instructional design. ChatGPT can help create a course outline following this model.
Example prompt:
“Develop a course outline for [an online course on project management] following the Rapid Instructional Design Model. Describe the iterative process of [rapid prototyping, iterative development, and use of existing resources].”
Kemp’s Instructional Design Model is a non-linear approach to instructional design. ChatGPT can assist in creating a course design plan that follows Kemp’s Model.
Example prompt:
“Outline a course design plan for [a course on financial literacy] using Kemp’s Instructional Design Model. Include each of the nine components: [instructional problems, learner characteristics, instructional objectives, assessment instruments, instructional strategy, instructional materials, formative evaluation, instruction revision, and instruction implementation and evaluation].”
ASSURE stands for Analyze learners, State objectives, Select methods, Utilize media and materials, Require learner participation, and Evaluate and revise. ChatGPT can aid in designing an instructional plan that follows this model.
Example prompt:
“Develop an instructional plan for [a webinar on data privacy regulations] using the ASSURE model. Include steps to [Analyze learners, State objectives, Select methods, Utilize media and materials, Require learner participation, and Evaluate and revise].”
The ARCS model focuses on motivational factors in instructional design. ChatGPT can assist in creating a lesson plan that incorporates these four elements.
Example prompt:
“Create a lesson plan for [a corporate training program on effective communication] using the ARCS model. The plan should include strategies for [capturing learners’ Attention, highlighting the Relevance of the content, building learner Confidence, and ensuring Satisfaction with the learning experience].”
TPACK stands for Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge. This framework emphasizes the integration of technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge in instructional design. ChatGPT can assist in devising a lesson plan incorporating TPACK principles.
Example prompt:
“Design a lesson plan for [a computer science course] using the TPACK model. The plan should effectively combine [subject matter understanding, teaching strategies, and technology tools].”
The Rapid Prototyping Model emphasizes a quick iterative process of designing and testing prototypes of instructional materials. ChatGPT can help create a course design following this model.
Example prompt:
“Outline a course design for [a graphic design course] following the Rapid Prototyping Model. Detail the process of [developing a basic version of the instructional product, gathering feedback, making improvements, and repeating the process until a final version is achieved].”
Action mapping is an approach to instructional design that focuses on mapping desired performance outcomes to specific actions. ChatGPT can assist in creating a course plan that follows this approach.
Example prompt:
“Develop a course plan for [a sales training program] using the Action Mapping model. The plan should [identify performance gaps and address them with specific instructional actions].”
Curriculum Development
Instructional designers are responsible for creating educational experiences that effectively teach learners a specific knowledge or skill. This involves planning the curriculum, developing instructional materials, and assessing the learners’ understanding.
Here’s an example of a detailed prompt for generating a lesson plan:
You are an expert at creating engaging learning content. Your task is to create a lesson plan for the module titled [Fundamentals of Climate Change].
This module is part of a broader course aimed at [middle school students].
The learning objectives for this module are [understanding the causes of climate change, understanding the impacts of climate change, and understanding the ways to mitigate these impacts].
Here are some key terms this module should cover: [greenhouse gases, global warming, carbon footprint, renewable energy]
Please include [Fundamentals of Climate Change] at the top, with subheadings: [Lesson Objectives, Key Terms, Lesson Content, Activity Suggestions, and Assessment Questions.]
Lesson Objectives: As stated above
Key Terms: As stated above
Lesson Content: Detailed content covering the lesson objectives and key terms
Activity Suggestions: Engaging activities to reinforce the learned concepts
Assessment Questions: Questions to assess the understanding of the students
ChatGPT can assist instructional designers in creating detailed course outlines, which include main topics, learning objectives, and sequence of instruction.
Prompt Example:[Using the ADDIE model, your task is to create a detailed outline for a six-week online course on [Project Management]. Please provide the sequence of instruction, focusing on the key areas of project management like [project initiation, planning, execution, control, and closure], and incorporating engaging learning activities and assessments.]
ChatGPT can help instructional designers craft individual lesson plans that detail the learning objectives, instructional strategies, and assessment methods for each lesson.
Prompt Example:
[Your task is to design a lesson plan for a session on [Risk Management in Projects]. The learning objectives should incorporate Bloom’s Taxonomy, and the plan should include [instructional strategies, activities, and assessment methods].]
Creating a detailed course outline is crucial for effective planning and visualization of a course. ChatGPT can help in this task by providing a structured outline based on the course topic, target audience, and learning objectives.
Prompt Example:
[You’re tasked with creating a detailed outline for a course titled [Introduction to Graphic Design] aimed at [beginners], with the objective of [teaching basic design principles and software skills]. Please provide a comprehensive course outline.]
Instructional Designers often need to brainstorm topics for new learning modules based on specific subjects, target audiences, and learning objectives. ChatGPT can assist in this process by generating fresh and engaging ideas, saving time and enhancing creative exploration.
Prompt Example:
[You are an expert in generating innovative learning module topics. Based on the subject area of [Computer Science], the target audience of [college students], and the learning objectives of [understanding the basics of algorithms and data structures], please suggest 5 potential topics.]
Instructional Designers often spend significant time drafting content for learning modules. ChatGPT can aid in this process by generating draft content based on specific topics, learning objectives, and the target audience, speeding up the content creation process.
Prompt Example:
[Your task is to generate a draft content for a learning module titled [Introduction to Python Programming] for [high school students], with the objective of [understanding basic Python syntax and concepts]. Please create a draft lesson.]
Marketing courses effectively require compelling promotional content. ChatGPT can help create such content based on the course topic, target audience, and unique selling points, making it easier for Instructional Designers to promote their courses.
Prompt Example:
[You are a skilled content creator specializing in course promotion. Given the course titled [Advanced Data Science for Business], targeted at [working professionals], and having unique selling points like [flexible learning schedule, industry-expert instructors], please create a promotional blog post.]
Instructional Strategies
Instructional designers use a variety of strategies to facilitate learning. This can involve incorporating multimedia, creating interactive activities, and designing assessments.
ChatGPT can assist instructional designers in creating engaging, hands-on interactive activities.
Prompt Example:
[Generate an idea for an interactive group activity that reinforces the concept of [Agile Project Management]. This activity should encourage collaboration and real-world application of Agile principles.]
[Generate an idea for an interactive group activity that reinforces the concept of [Agile Project Management]. This activity should encourage collaboration and real-world application of Agile principles.]
ChatGPT can help instructional designers create comprehensive assessments that gauge learners’ understanding and provide feedback.
Prompt Example:
[Design an assessment for the end of a training module on [Project Stakeholder Management]. This should include [multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and a scenario-based question] to thoroughly assess learner understanding.]
Designing assessment questions to evaluate learner understanding can be time-consuming.
ChatGPT can assist in creating a variety of assessment questions based on the learning module topic, the complexity level, and the type of assessment, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.
Prompt Examples:
- [Design an assessment for the end of a training module on [Project Stakeholder Management]. This should include [multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and a scenario-based question] to thoroughly assess learner understanding.]
- [You are an expert in creating engaging assessment questions. Based on the learning module on [Web Development] for [intermediate level students], please create 5 [multiple choice] assessment questions.]
Transform your work with the power of AI technology
It’s crucial to reflect on how you, as an instructional designer, can harness the innovative power of artificial intelligence to revolutionize your work. These prompts we’ve shared offer a springboard, helping you create dynamic course content, stimulate engaging student interactions, and design effective assessments with more efficiency and creativity.
However, these prompts are just a starting point. The beauty of Chat GPT lies in its adaptability.
As an instructional designer, you can tailor and modify these prompts to meet the unique needs of your instructional context, enhance your lesson plans, and resonate more closely with your learners.
