Instructional design is the practice of creating instructional materials, such as courses, lesson plans, and training modules. It involves the application of pedagogical theories, principles, and practices to the design, development, and assessment of learning experiences. There are a variety of different instructional design methodologies that can be used depending on the needs of the learner and the learning objectives. Keep reading to learn more about the different methodologies used in instructional design and their effectiveness, and if this article intrigues you, consider pursuing an online degree in instructional design.
The ADDIE Method
One popular instructional design methodology is ADDIE, which stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. This five-step process begins with the analysis of the learning objectives and the needs of the learners. The design phase incorporates the selection of instructional strategies and the development of learning materials. The development phase includes the creation of prototypes and the testing of instructional materials. The implementation phase involves the rollout of the new materials and the assessment of their effectiveness. Finally, the evaluation phase determines whether the objectives were met and whether the instructional design was successful.
The SAM Method
The SAM Method is an instructional design model that stands for “sequenced, additive, and multimedia.” It was developed by Dr. Ruth Clark as a way to help instructors create online learning modules that are effective and engaging. The SAM Method is based on the principle that multimedia presentations are more effective than traditional lectures, and that it is important to sequence the material in a way that is easy for learners to follow. The model consists of three basic steps:
- Add multimedia elements to your presentation.
- Sequence the material in a logical order.
- Use multimedia to reinforce the material.
The SAM Method can be used in a variety of instructional settings, including online courses, corporate training, and K-12 education. It is an especially good choice for courses that require a lot of content to be covered in a short period of time.
The Dick & Carey Method
Dick and Carey developed a method for instructional design which is still popular and widely used today. The Dick and Carey method is a cyclical process that begins with needs assessment, design, development, implementation, and evaluation.
The first step in the Dick and Carey method is needs assessment. In needs assessment, the instructor identifies the goals of the course and the objectives that need to be achieved in order to meet those goals. The objectives are then broken down into specific skills and knowledge that students will need to learn in order to meet the objectives. Once the objectives have been identified, the instructor can begin to design the course. In design, the instructor determines the best way to teach the objectives. This may involve creating instructional materials such as videos, worksheets, and quizzes. The instructor also decides how often and in what order the objectives will be covered.
Once the course has been designed, it is time to develop it. In development, the instructor creates the instructional materials and puts them into a format that can be used in the classroom. The instructor also creates any tests or other assessment tools that will be used to measure student progress. Once the course is developed, it is time to implement it. In the implementation stage, the instructor delivers the course to the students. This may involve teaching a class in person or posting instructional materials online. Finally, the course must be evaluated in order to determine its effectiveness. In evaluation, the instructor measures how well the objectives were met and determines whether the course was effective in achieving its goals.
There are a variety of instructional design methodologies that can be used in order to create an effective learning experience for students. While no single methodology is perfect, each has its own strengths and weaknesses that should be considered when choosing the best approach for a given situation. Overall, the use of different methodologies can lead to a more well-rounded and effective instructional design.
