Outsourcing instructional design (ID) and learning and development (L&D) has long been a common practice in corporate environments. Now, more schools (particularly middle and high schools) are outsourcing these functions to third-party experts. While educators may initially hesitate to adopt what seems like a business-driven approach, outsourcing can benefit both students and teachers in ways that go beyond merely saving time and money. A 2022 Gallup poll revealed that more than four in 10 K-12 workers in the U.S. (44 percent) “always” or “very often” feel burned out—the highest percentage of any industry. This burnout contributes to a workforce that is leaving the profession at a high rate, though many dedicated teachers continue to support their students and communities. Outsourcing can provide the necessary support to relieve some of this pressure, allowing educators to focus on teaching without being overwhelmed by curriculum development. It also enhances the quality of education by incorporating the latest technological advancements, from artificial intelligence (AI) to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Let’s explore how outsourcing these services can help schools, examine the role of emerging technologies, and consider whether this trend will continue in the future.
The Role of Instructional Design and L&D in Schools
Instructional design refers to the creation of learning materials, experiences, and curricula that effectively achieve educational goals. Learning and development focuses on the continuous improvement of teaching practices, ensuring that educators are equipped with the latest methods and tools to help students succeed. Traditionally, teachers have been responsible for developing their own curricula in addition to their classroom duties, which can be overwhelming. Outsourcing ID and L&D relieves some of these burdens while introducing fresh perspectives and expertise.
Benefits of Outsourcing Instructional Design and L&D
1. Access to Cutting-Edge Expertise and Technology
A significant benefit of outsourcing ID and L&D is the access to specialized expertise in technology and pedagogy. Third-party providers often employ instructional designers (IDs) trained not only in educational theory but also in using technology to enhance learning. For example, many of these experts are skilled in integrating AI into the curriculum to personalize learning for each student. AI-powered platforms can track student performance, offering insights that teachers can use to adjust their instruction in real-time. This level of personalization can be difficult for teachers to manage on their own.
By outsourcing, schools gain access to a pool of professionals who understand the latest technological advancements. They can create interactive lessons, simulations, and assessments that use AI to adapt to each student’s pace, ensuring that learners who need more support receive it while those who grasp concepts quickly can move ahead. This kind of adaptive learning helps all students succeed at their own pace, creating a more inclusive classroom environment.
2. Relieving Teacher Workload and Stress
One of the greatest challenges teachers face is balancing multiple responsibilities, including lesson planning, grading, and classroom management. Outsourcing ID eases this burden by providing high-quality, ready-made curricula and resources that teachers can tailor to their needs. This allows educators to focus on what they do best — engaging with students, delivering instruction, and fostering a supportive learning environment.
With third-party partners handling lesson design, teachers no longer need to invest excessive time into curriculum creation, allowing them to focus on individualizing instruction or supporting students with special needs. Additionally, external L&D providers can offer professional development tailored to the school’s requirements, keeping teachers current on modern technology and teaching methods without overwhelming them with additional work.
3. Improved Student Engagement with AR, VR, and Interactive Tools
When schools outsource ID, they often gain access to innovative tools like AR and VR, which are becoming increasingly popular in education. While AR and VR may sound like futuristic concepts, they’re already being used to create immersive learning experiences that help students engage with complex subjects in new ways. For example, a history lesson might involve exploring an ancient civilization through a VR simulation, while an AR app might allow science students to visualize molecular structures in 3D.
Although not every subject may lend itself to AR and VR, these technologies are particularly useful for making abstract or difficult-to-grasp concepts more tangible. Schools without the budget or expertise to develop such experiences in-house can rely on outsourced IDs to create customized content that fits seamlessly into the curriculum. While VR headsets and AR apps may not be in every classroom just yet, outsourcing can help schools start small by incorporating these tools into select lessons or subjects.
The use of AR and VR also helps cater to different learning styles. Some students learn best through hands-on experience, while others may prefer visual aids or simulations. Outsourced IDs can create lessons that leverage these preferences, increasing engagement and retention of information.
4. Leveraging AI to Personalize Learning and Assess Progress
AI is one of the most transformative technologies entering the educational space, and outsourcing ID gives schools a fast track to integrating AI tools into their classrooms. AI-powered learning platforms can track individual student performance, identify areas of strength and weakness, and provide teachers with real-time data to adjust lessons. Outsourcing partners specializing in AI-driven education can design modules that allow students to progress at their own pace, offering personalized support for those who need it and advanced challenges for students who are ready to move ahead.
For instance, in subjects like math or language arts, AI can analyze student responses to pinpoint where they struggle—whether it’s a misunderstanding of a core concept or a pattern of errors in problem-solving. Teachers can then use this data to intervene early, providing targeted support before the student falls too far behind.
Additionally, AI can help streamline assessments. Instead of traditional testing, AI-driven platforms can continuously evaluate student progress through interactive exercises or quizzes, offering instant feedback. This kind of formative assessment not only saves time but also keeps students and teachers informed of progress without the pressure of high-stakes exams.
5. Cost Savings and Technological Advancements
Outsourcing ID can be more cost-effective than building in-house solutions, especially when it comes to technology. Developing a comprehensive tech-based curriculum requires expensive software, hardware, and ongoing training. By outsourcing, schools can benefit from the latest tools and innovations without having to invest in them directly. Many third-party providers offer subscription-based services, where schools pay for what they use rather than purchasing expensive equipment or software outright.
Moreover, these providers are often able to implement technologies like AI and VR at scale, ensuring that schools stay current without having to constantly update their systems. As educational technology continues to evolve, the cost of staying current can be a significant burden on school budgets. Outsourcing allows schools to access these innovations at a fraction of the cost.
Challenges of Outsourcing ID and L&D (and Solutions)
While outsourcing offers numerous advantages, schools should be aware of potential challenges.
1. Integration with Existing Systems
Introducing innovative technologies like VR and AR into the classroom can be challenging, particularly when schools already have established systems and methods in place. It’s important for third-party providers to work closely with schools to ensure smooth integration. If not managed carefully, there’s a risk that these technologies could become underutilized or fail to align with existing lesson structures.
Solution: Third-party providers should collaborate with schools to conduct a thorough needs assessment and audit of current systems before implementation. This ensures that new technologies are customized to align with the school’s current curriculum and infrastructure. Ongoing training and support for both teachers and IT staff should be provided to help them fully integrate and use the tools in everyday teaching practices, making them an enhancement rather than a disruption.
2. Teacher Buy-In
Outsourcing the design of instructor-led or blended learning programs can sometimes lead to resistance from teachers who feel they are losing control over their classroom. Ensuring clear communication between third-party providers and teaching staff is essential to create a collaborative environment where teachers feel empowered to use new materials and approaches effectively.
Solution: Foster a collaborative approach where teachers are involved in the ID process from the start. Holding workshops and training sessions where teachers can provide input on lesson plans and technologies creates a sense of ownership. Additionally, emphasizing the role of these new tools in enhancing rather than replacing traditional teaching methods can help build trust and confidence in third-party resources.
3. Balancing Customization and Standardization
One challenge schools face when outsourcing ID is finding the right balance between standardized materials and the need for customization. Outsourced content may not always perfectly align with a school’s specific culture, values, or the unique needs of its students. IDs often create comprehensive materials meant for broad application, which can lack the flexibility needed for individualized classrooms or particular school missions. Schools must ensure that the curriculum fits their educational goals without overwhelming teachers with the task of constant adjustment.
Solution: Schools should work closely with outsourcing partners to foster collaboration. This involves setting clear expectations at the start of the project and involving teachers in the customization process through feedback loops and trials. By providing flexible templates that teachers can modify, schools can adapt the materials to fit their specific needs while maintaining high standards. Regular communication between the school and the outsourcing provider ensures that both parties stay aligned, allowing for easy adaptation without sacrificing quality.
4. Ensuring Data Privacy and Security
Data privacy and security present a significant challenge when outsourcing ID, especially with AI platforms that collect and analyze sensitive student data. Schools must navigate complex regulations like the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), ensuring that student information remains protected. If an outsourcing partner mishandles data or experiences a breach, the school is ultimately responsible for the repercussions, making it critical to choose vendors with strict security measures in place.
Solution: To mitigate these risks, schools should prioritize data governance by carefully vetting outsourcing partners. Contracts must outline clear data protection protocols, ensuring that vendors comply with privacy regulations. Encryption, data minimization practices, and regular security audits should be non-negotiable terms in these agreements. Schools should also establish ongoing monitoring of vendor practices to ensure compliance and maintain transparency, safeguarding student data while benefiting from outsourced technological solutions.
Will We See More Outsourcing in the Future?
Given the rapid pace of technological change in education, outsourcing is likely to become more common in the future. Schools are increasingly recognizing the value of partnering with experts who can help them stay on the forefront of educational technology while relieving teachers of time-consuming tasks like curriculum design. As AI, AR, and VR continue to advance, the need for specialized knowledge in how to effectively integrate these tools into classrooms will grow, and outsourcing will provide schools with a way to access this expertise without overwhelming their staff or budgets.
Moreover, as the benefits of AI-driven personalized learning become more apparent, schools will seek out partners who can develop adaptive learning platforms that cater to the needs of individual students. This shift will likely drive an increase in outsourcing as schools look for ways to provide high-quality, tech-driven education without incurring the high costs of developing these systems in-house.
Final Thoughts
Outsourcing ID and L&D offers a wealth of benefits for schools. From relieving teacher workloads to introducing innovative technologies like AI, AR, and VR, outsourcing provides a flexible, cost-effective solution for modernizing education. Gallup’s Stephanie Marken and Sangeeta Agrawal say that many teachers are “burned out and unfortunately leaving the profession at a high rate. Despite these challenges, many talented teachers nationally remain committed to helping their students and lifting their communities, and they need the support of principals, superintendents and other leaders to ensure that these high levels of burnout do not impact their practice or personal wellbeing.” Outsourcing can offer much-needed relief. While challenges like balancing customization with standardization and ensuring data privacy exist, the potential benefits of outsourcing far outweigh the drawbacks.
As technology continues to evolve and the educational landscape shifts, outsourcing is poised to play an even more critical role in helping schools provide students with engaging, personalized learning experiences. By partnering with experts in ID and educational technology, schools can better prepare students for the future while supporting teachers in delivering high-quality education. Alleviating burnout for teachers has never been more important.
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Resources
Marken, Stephanie and Sangeeta Agrawal. “K-12 Workers Have Highest Burnout Rate in U.S.” Gallup. 6/12/22. Accessed 10/8/24. https://news.gallup.com/poll/393500/workers-highest-burnout-rate.aspx
“The Benefits of Outsourcing in Education.” Outsource Asia. 5/25/22. Accessed 9/30/24. https://www.outsourceasia.org/the-benefits-of-outsourcing-in-education/
Turner, Andrea, CPTM. “7 Compelling Reasons to Outsource Learning and Development.” Training Industry. 3/7/19. Accessed 9/30/24. https://trainingindustry.com/articles/learning-services-and-outsourcing/7-compelling-reasons-to-outsource-learning-and-development/