When starting your journey as an instructional designer, choosing the right training program is crucial. At IDOL courses, we offer two distinct paths tailored to your unique needs: IDOL On Demand and IDOL Academy. Whether you’re an individual seeking flexibility or a company looking to upskill your team, understanding the differences between these programs will help you make an informed decision.

In this blog, we’ll explore each program in detail, highlight their features, and explain how they cater to different learning styles and career goals. We’ll also discuss IDOL Academy’s enterprise training solution.

What Is IDOL On Demand?

IDOL On Demand is the self-paced version of IDOL Academy, designed for individuals who prefer to learn at their own pace. Originally introduced as IDOL Academy 2.0, this program evolved into its own offering to provide learners with a more flexible option.

Key Features:

 • Self-Paced Learning: Study whenever and wherever it fits your schedule.

 • Group Mentorship: Gain support and insights from peers and a mentor in a group setting.

 • Training Resources: Access a wealth of materials to build instructional design skills and a professional portfolio.

Who It’s For:

IDOL On Demand is ideal for:

 • Self-starters who thrive in independent learning environments.

 • Individuals balancing busy schedules or other commitments.

 • Learners seeking a cost-effective way to gain instructional design training.

Limitations of IDOL On Demand:

 • No official certification upon completion.

 • No 1:1 mentorship or personalized feedback.

 • Lacks real-world internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience.

What Is IDOL Academy?

IDOL Academy 3.0 is the flagship program of IDOL courses, designed to provide a comprehensive, guided training experience. It’s a cohort-based program with personalized mentorship, hands-on projects, and official certification.

Key Features:

 • Structured 24-Week Curriculum: Follow a clear roadmap to master instructional design skills.

 • 1:1 Mentorship: Receive personalized guidance and feedback from experienced professionals.

 • Official Certification: Graduate as a Certified Professional in Training and Performance.

 • Internship Opportunities: Work on real-world projects to build experience and a standout portfolio.

 • Enterprise Availability: Companies can enroll teams into private cohorts with dedicated mentors for tailored training.

Who It’s For: 

IDOL Academy is perfect for:

 • Aspiring instructional designers who value mentorship and accountability.

 • Learners who want a recognized certification to boost their credibility.

 • Companies looking to upskill their L&D teams with tailored training solutions.

Key Differences Between IDOL On Demand and IDOL Academy

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which program suits you best: 

 Which Program Is Right for You?

Both programs are designed to help you become a successful instructional designer, but they cater to different needs and goals.

Choose IDOL On Demand if:

 • You thrive in self-paced environments.

 • You need a flexible program to fit into a busy schedule.

 • You’re seeking a budget-friendly entry into instructional design training.

 Choose IDOL Academy if:

 • You value mentorship and structured guidance.

 • You want official certification to enhance your resume.

 • You need real-world experience to build a strong portfolio.

 • You’re part of a company looking for enterprise team training solutions.

Real Success Stories

 IDOL On Demand:

“IDOL On Demand gave me the flexibility to learn on my own terms while balancing work. The group mentorship was invaluable for answering questions and building my portfolio. It’s perfect for self-motivated learners!”

 IDOL Academy:

“Joining IDOL Academy was the best decision I’ve made for my career. The mentorship and internships prepared me for real-world projects, and earning certification helped me land a remote instructional design job in just a few months.”

Conclusion

Whether you’re seeking the flexibility of IDOL On Demand or the structured mentorship of IDOL Academy, both programs are designed to help you succeed in the instructional design field. For individuals, these paths offer tailored training options, and for companies, IDOL Academy provides enterprise solutions to upskill entire teams.

Ready to start your journey or transform your team? Explore IDOL On Demand and get a 14-day free trial of IDOL Academy today to take the first step toward your instructional design goals.