Learning Strategy & Design (LS&D) is an instructional design training company founded in 2014 by Jill Davidian. Jill is an instructional designer with 20+ years of experience, including time as a hiring manager. Since 2019, LS&D has run the Applied Instructional Design Academy (AIDA), a self-paced certification program with 1,200+ graduates. AIDA helps career changers build the portfolio that gets them hired as instructional designers, using the Applied ID Portfolio Method and the LEAD AI Framework.
Learning Strategy & Design (learningstrategyanddesign.com) has 145 customer reviews on Five Star Index, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.
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learningstrategyanddesign.com
Category
Specials Schools
Listed on Five Star Index
2026
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Most recent review: March 2026.
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AIDA is the best program and worth every penny. When I initially joined AIDA I hesitated due to the price tag, however, once I started the program I knew that I made the right choice. The big difference between AIDA and other programs is not only the cost of software included BUT you get the support you need to be successful. You have an advisor who checks in on you to make sure you're on track, you have the entire academy of people who are rooting for you every step of the way. At no point in this journey are you walking alone unless you choose to. Even after graduation, the support doesn't end, I will forever be grateful to the AIDA community that helped me achieve my goals.
NF
Nicole F.
From a veteran teacher of 15+ years
From a veteran teacher of 15+ years, the field of Instructional Design felt like the next logical step. I am so grateful to have discovered the Applied Instructional Design Academy - the absolute best way to make that transition successfully! I am a graduate with 4 new software programs under my belt, theory training, and a close-knit community of current IDs in the field who gave me constant feedback at all times of the day. Software licenses, voiceover programs, and resume rewriting help, which would've been paid for separately in a career transition, is INCLUDED in the payment for the program. The network of supportive and encouraging members and staff who work with you every step of the way is unmatched anywhere else. I continue to be grateful for stumbling upon this program. It has been worth every penny.
LY
lyssrains
Consider your goals and then consider this program
As I was looking to get out of the classroom, a former co-worker, turned friend, turned co-worker again told me about AIDA and her experience with the program. I looked into it and attended the kickoff meetings in September ‘22. I joined that cohort and finished in June ‘23. After applying for 4 or 5 weeks to ID positions, I was hired on as an ID with my current employer.
AIDA taught me so much not just about ID work l but about myself. The program provides you with information that is important to make it in this industry. Nothing in the course is fluff. The program does what it says it does and offers a lot of support. The women who run this organization actually care about their learners and aren’t just trying to grab your dough.
I think this program is absolutely worth your money and time as the mentors and advisors dedicate their own time to looking over your products and guiding you through it all. The mentors have a wealth of knowledge and if they can’t answer something for you, they will find out for you and not just feed you wrong answers. The advisors are super nice to have as well. My advisor and I talked weekly about my goals as I sometimes fell off the track and needed a push. Goals helped me stay the course.
In my opinion, yes I did the work and got myself out of the classroom, but this program is one of the biggest factors that got me into another job where I’m WAY less stressed, have more time for me and my family and I’m not thinking about school 24/7. It was worth the hours of working on projects, the money, and the difficulties that come along with learning new programs.
Consider your goals and then consider this program.
VI
Victoria
Building Foundations to Empower Newcomers
This instructional design bootcamp, resembles a college course or credential program, provides an extensive library of video tutorials for ISD software and skills tailored for newcomers in the field. A standout feature is the personalized coaching and feedback, which proves immensely helpful in fine-tuning your skills. The program encourages investing time and effort, underscoring that the more you put in, the greater your growth. Moreover, they strongly promote networking within the instructional design community, enriching the overall experience and fostering valuable connections. I'm happy I did it and feel more confident about my future transition into the corporate world.
Minus one star for the interface- two websites and needing to go back and forth. However, I believe they are consolidating sites in the near future which will streamline the learning process.
RM
Robert M.
The mentorship
The mentorship, rounds of feedback and professionalism made this experience so worthwhile and allowed me to learn and grow in a short period of time. The connections you make with other members is also priceless
NA
Naomi
Exceeding my expectations
I recently had the privilege of attending the Applied Instructional Design Academy, and I can't say enough about the fantastic experience I had. From start to finish, this academy exceeded my expectations in every way, providing me with an invaluable opportunity to learn and grow in the field of instructional design.
One of the standout features of the Applied Instructional Design Academy was the incredible network of connections I was able to establish. The coaches, mentors, my success advisor Tori and fellow participants were not just knowledgeable but also incredibly welcoming and supportive. It was clear that everyone shared a passion for learning and professional development, and the sense of camaraderie that developed throughout the program was truly exceptional.
The tools and resources provided by the academy were comprehensive. They equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in instructional design, from the fundamentals to advanced techniques. Whether it was designing effective e-learning modules, creating engaging content, or understanding the latest trends in the industry, the academy left no stone unturned.
JG
Jen G.
The AIDA Community is by far the BEST!
In January of 2023, I knew I was ready to make a change in my life. I was completely unhappy in my 21st year of teaching. I felt stuck, unfulfilled, and at my wits' end. I had heard about instructional design, and on a whim signed up for Jill's Jumpstart Workshop. I was provided with an amazing mentor for the week who answered all my questions.
A week later, I joined AIDA, and now, not even 8 months later, I have accepted my dream job. A fully remote, salaried position as a corporate Instructional Design Specialist in a company who values me as a person, and the skillset I bring to the team. I could not have completed this journey without the support and structure that AIDA provides. Not only is your path to get to your destination clearly laid out for you, but you also are paired with a success advisor who helps you manage your timeline and cheers you on from the sidelines. You are put together with a small pod of other future IDs who will be putting in the same work as you. You are set up for success from the get-go. AIDA even goes so far as to help you manage your mindset and navigate the growth you experience as a person and as a professional. There are scheduled live trainings, coaching calls, and opportunities for collaboration all throughout the process.
I researched a lot of other programs, and AIDA by far stood out from the rest. My experience solidifies that. I would do it all over again, and whole-heartedly recommend AIDA to anyone else looking to make the career pivot to ID! The community alone is worth the investment. You CAN make this career change happen!
JM
Jen M.
From Skeptic to Success Story: Thanks, AIDA!
I'll be honest. When I first heard about AIDA, skepticism consumed me. The five-day Jumpstart program left me questioning its true value. Was this program too good to be true? Of course they would be advertising their successes, but I wanted to also hear about failures!
My workshop advisor played a pivotal role in my decision-making process, as she deserves an award for her patience with my hard-hitting questions and criticism of the program's validity, but I was not going to make this decision carelessly. Coming from a teaching background in a private school, I couldn't afford to invest in something that wouldn't benefit me and my family. But after thorough research, reading reviews, and speaking with others, I decided to take the AIDA route, a decision I do NOT regret for a single moment.
Please note: AIDA doesn't promise to be a miracle career changer. It does not promise you success and a new job. Instead, it promises the resources, tools, and guidance to help YOU make that shift. In that way, AIDA lives up to everything it promises. If you're willing to put the work in and follow the guidance of the program, you will not be disappointed.
I started the program in January, took a leap of faith by turning down a contract for this current school year, and managed to secure my first full-time instructional design role in September. AIDA's support, feedback, collaboration opportunities, guidance, and resources proved invaluable. It prepared me so well that I confidently tackle my new job and feel right at home with people who have been working the field for years.
If you're considering a career in instructional design, take this from someone who doesn't take large decisions such as this lightly - AIDA is worth the plunge!