Athabasca University is Canada's Open University. Because we're online, open, and flexible, students can pursue learning regardless of location, life circumstances, academic history, or age. Athabasca University is a leading Canadian distance education institution renowned for its flexible and accessible learning programs. Established in 1970, it has become a pioneer in online and distance education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. As Canada's Open University, Athabasca University provides learners with the opportunity to study at their own pace and from any location, making education accessible to a diverse range of students. The university's innovative online platform, coupled with its dedicated faculty and staff, ensures a high-quality learning experience. Athabasca University is committed to empowering learners, regardless of their background or circumstances, to achieve their educational goals and pursue lifelong learning.

The Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design (GCID) is offered by Athabasca University's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Instructional design is a developing field with changing needs. As distance education and web-based learning grows and evolves, so too does instructional design. Professional instructional designers and educators with instructional design skills are in demand.

The certificate program is intended for practitioners who are specifically interested in issues related to:

systems analysis in distance education related settings
application of learning theory to instructional design
application of current ISD models to distance education and the development of instructional materials in a project-based setting
application of program evaluation concepts in distance education