ABSTRACT
This introductory chapter gives an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. Learning designers come from a variety of backgrounds and educational experiences. Some have migrated into the role from other areas within their organizations, while others have undergone formal training and certification programs from professional associations and/or university-based degree programs. The book focuses on business issues underlying the selection, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of learning opportunities and uses selected Dilbert strips as a humorous backdrop. It also provides a ready reference with actionable tools and techniques for recognizing and anticipating the impact of learning design/technology decisions at the project, business unit/group, and organizational levels. The book is grounded in the convergence of five professional disciplines that feed into the L&D field: Instructional Design, Human Performance Technology, Human Resource Development, Project Management, and Business Intelligence.
