Note: Most of this chapter was written using the results of queries from ChatGPT.

A case study is a sometimes detailed description of a project or person. They are used in a variety of fields as educational materials as well as research materials. For an instructional designers portfolio, a case study provides a way to give context to project samples and explain why you designed a learning experience the way you did. It helps the reader of your portfolio gain a deeper understanding of your contribution and thought process in creating the portfolio item. 

When used for research or education, case studies tend to be vary detailed. When used for your porfolio, they need to be concise and clearly articulated. 

An instructional design case study template for a portfolio typically includes the following elements:

1. Problem statement: A brief description of the problem or need that the instructional design project aimed to address.
2. Project overview: A summary of the project, including the goals, objectives, target audience, and timeline.
3. Instructional design process: A description of the instructional design process used, including the methodologies and tools applied.
4. Design solution: A description of the instructional design solution, including the final product or deliverable, and how it addressed the problem or need.
5. Evaluation and results: Information about how the instructional design solution was evaluated and the results achieved, including any metrics used to measure success.
6. Reflection: A reflection on the project, including what was learned, challenges faced, and areas for improvement.
7. Supporting materials: Examples of the instructional design solution, such as screenshots, videos, or samples of the final product.
8. Conclusion: A summary of the key takeaways and the impact of the instructional design solution.

In summary, An instructional design case study is a document that describes the process and the outcome of an instructional design project, it usually includes elements like problem statement, project overview, instructional design process, design solution, evaluation and results, reflection, supporting materials and conclusion.

Process (from ChatGPT)

A good process for creating an instructional design case study typically includes the following steps:

1. Gather information: Collect all relevant information about the instructional design project, including project goals, objectives, target audience, and timeline.
2. Organize information: Organize the information into a logical and coherent structure, including a problem statement, project overview, and instructional design process.
3. Describe the design solution: Provide a detailed description of the instructional design solution, including the final product or deliverable and how it addressed the problem or need.
4. Include evaluation and results: Describe how the instructional design solution was evaluated and the results achieved, including any metrics used to measure success.
5. Reflect on the project: Reflect on the project, including what was learned, challenges faced, and areas for improvement.
6. Add supporting materials: Add examples of the instructional design solution, such as screenshots, videos, or samples of the final product.
7. Revise and edit: Review and edit the case study for clarity, coherence, and consistency, paying attention to grammar and spelling.
8. Format and Design: Format the case study in a professional and visually appealing way, using a consistent template or design.

Key elements of a case study (from ChatGPT):

A good instructional design case study for a portfolio should demonstrate the designer's ability to identify the needs of the learners, create effective and efficient instruction, and evaluate the instruction's effectiveness. Here are some key elements that can make an instructional design case study for a portfolio stand out:

• Clear problem statement: The case study should clearly articulate the problem or need that the instructional design project aimed to address. This could be a specific learning gap or challenge faced by a particular group of learners.
• Design process: The case study should provide an overview of the instructional design process, including the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation stages. The designer should demonstrate how they used the ADDIE model to guide their work.
• Evidence of effectiveness: The case study should include data or evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of the instruction. This could be in the form of pre- and post-testing results, feedback from learners or instructors, or other metrics that measure the instruction's impact.
• Original and creative solutions: The case study should demonstrate the designer's ability to come up with creative solutions to instructional problems. This could include the use of new technologies, innovative approaches, or unique methods.
• Reflective practice: A good instructional design case study also includes a reflection on the design process and the outcome, it should include the designer's insights and lessons learned, and how they will apply them in future projects.
• Aesthetically pleasing: The case study should be well-organized and easy to read, with clear headings and subheadings, and should be visually appealing, with images, charts, and infographics that help to convey information.

Overall, a good instructional design case study for a portfolio should showcase the designer's abilities and skills, and should provide a clear and compelling picture of the instruction, the design process, and the outcome.

Additional information

For more information on creating case studies for instructional design portfolios, see:

• Malamed, C. (n.d.). How to write instructional design case studies for your portfolio. The eLearning Coach.