Here’s my list of favorite instructional design books (as of September 2010). The ones I’ve included make the list because they’re a mix of theory, practical applications, and creative thinking.
Clark, R. C. (2007). Developing Technical Training: A Structured Approach for Developing Classroom and Computer-based Instructional Materials. San Francisco: Pfeiffer.
Horton, W.K. (2006). eLearning by Design. San Francisco: Pfeiffer.
Mager, R.F. (1997). Analyzing Performance Problems, Third Edition. Atlanta, GA: CEP Press.
Mager, R.F. (1997). Goal Analysis: How to Clarify Your Goals So You Can Actually Achieve Them, Third Edition. Atlanta, GA: CEP Press.
Mager, R.F. (1997). Preparing Instructional Objectives, Third Edition, Atlanta, GA: CEP Press.
Morrisson, G.R., Ross, S.M., & Kemp, J.E. (2006). Designing Effective Instruction, Third Edition, Hoboken, NJ: J. Wiley & Sons.
Rossett, A., & Schafer, L. ( 2006). Job Aids and Performance Support: Moving from Knowledge in the Classroom to Knowledge Everywhere (Essential Knowledge Resource). San Francisco: Pfeiffer.
Rossett, A., & Schafer, L. (2007). First Things Fast: A Handbook for Performance Analysis. San Francisco: Pfeiffer.
Design, more generally
Atkinson, C. (2007). Beyond Bullet Points: Using Microsoft® Office PowerPoint® 2007 to Create Presentations That Inform, Motivate, and Inspire. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Press.
Duarte, N. (2008). Slide-ology-The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations. Sebastopol, CA: O’Reilly Media.
Williams, R. (2008). The Non-Designer’s Design Book: Design and Typographic Prinicples for the Visual Novice,Third Edition. Berkely, CA: Peachpit Press.
Plus many more
You also might want to check out this Diigo list of favorites from other instructional designers.
Like any book list, this one is evolving, and I’ll likely be adding books from the not-yet-read pile. Stay tuned…
Instructional Design Fusions 