How to select the right Instructional design strategy?
Feb,2020
An Instructional design model is a set of guidelines that helps instructional designers approach, structure, and design a course based on sound instructional design principles. Several models are available, and organizations choose one that suits their needs and is compatible with the way their organization functions. ADDIE, GAGNE, Dick & Carey, and SAM are the most popular models.
brief look at some popular ID models
ADDIE
This very systematic model consists of 5 interrelated and essential components to instruction – Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The ADDIE model can be used for any kind of learning, and provides opportunities to re-evaluate the learning goals and outcomes, at any stage. However, the model is not iterative; and because each of the 5 phases (components) are interrelated, changes made in one phase will inadvertently effect the other phases as well. Work progresses based on assumptions made of the client’s and learner’s requirements; when these assumptions are proved wrong, the course must be reworked on – leading to a loss of time.
How to select the right ID strategy?
Choosing the right instructional design strategy is as important as using an instructional design strategy. A strategy is chosen after taking some considerations into account. These considerations include:
1. Audience
2. Subject
3. Learning environment
4. Parameters/constraints
- Audience
The most basic differentiation is between children (pedagogy) and adults (andragogy), with adult learning being self-directed rather than assisted.
- Subject
From a pedagogical standpoint, certain subjects require a lot of practice (e.g. Mathematics), while there are others that require other skills such as listening (e.g. Music), or observation and validation (e.g. Science). In a corporate setting, the instructional design strategy must be based on the course category (e.g. soft skills, technical skills, business/leadership development skills, selling skills).
- Learning environment
Learning can take place anywhere. In a corporate setting, online learning can take place at a work station, while travelling, on several types of devices, or even in a computer lab. Learning can also take place collaboratively or alone (self-learning).
4. Parameters/constraints
An eLearning company’s success depends on its ability to create an eLearning course or program, within the parameters drawn by the client organization. Some of the important parameters include time, cost, and technical specifications. When working under the strict confinements of time, cost, and technical specifications, these parameters become ‘constraints,’ and instructional designers are forced to restrain themselves to the use of only some strategies.