Instructional Design Models For Higher Ed
As higher education increasingly embraces online learning, the need for effective Instructional Design has never been more critical. Instructional Design models are frameworks that provide a systematic approach to designing and developing effective learning experiences. In this article, we will review six of the top Instructional Design models and discuss their advantages and disadvantages in the context of online higher education.
6 Top Instructional Design Models For Online Higher Education
ADDIE Model: A Traditional Approach
The ADDIE model is among higher education's most widely used Instructional Design models. ADDIE stands for analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. This model is a traditional approach to Instructional Design, focusing on the step-by-step process of designing and developing a course. While this model has its advantages, including its straightforward structure and emphasis on evaluation, it has been criticized for needing to be more linear and less adaptable to changing student needs.
SAM Model: A Rapid Development Approach
The SAM (successive approximation model) is a rapid development approach to Instructional Design. This model is well-suited for online learning, emphasizing collaboration between Instructional Designers, Subject Matter Experts, and learners. The SAM model is based on an iterative process focusing on rapid prototyping and testing. This model is particularly effective when the course content is rapidly changing, or there is a need for a quick turnaround.
Merrill's First Principles Of Instruction: A Task-Centered Approach
Merrill's first principles of instruction is a task-centered approach to Instructional Design. This model emphasizes the importance of providing learners authentic tasks that mimic real-world situations. The model is based on five principles: task-centered, activation of prior experience, demonstration, application, and integration. This model has been widely used in online education, particularly in courses on skill development.
Gagne's Nine Events Of Instruction: A Cognitive Approach
Gagne's nine events of instruction is a cognitive approach to Instructional Design. This model is based on the idea that nine key events must occur for learning. These events include gaining attention, informing learners of the objective, stimulating recall of prior learning, presenting the content, providing learner guidance, eliciting performance, providing feedback, assessing performance, and enhancing retention and transfer. This model is particularly effective for courses where there is a need for a structured approach to learning. This model was developed by psychologist Robert Gagne. The model is often used for creating multimedia-based instruction and can be effective in helping learners retain information.
Dick And Carey Model: A Systematic Approach
The Dick and Carey model is a systematic approach to Instructional Design. This model is based on the idea that effective Instructional Design requires a systematic approach to analyzing the needs of the learners, developing clear objectives, designing instruction, and evaluating the effectiveness of the instruction. This model has been widely used in higher education, particularly in courses requiring a highly structured approach to learning. This model is similar to the ADDIE model but emphasizes identifying learner characteristics and analyzing the learning environment. The Dick and Carey model is beneficial for designing online courses that require a high degree of customization to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Constructivist Model: A Student-Centered Approach
The constructivist model is a student-centered approach to Instructional Design. This model emphasizes the importance of learners constructing knowledge through interaction with the learning environment. This model is based on the idea that learning is an active process that requires learners to be actively engaged in the learning process. This model has been widely used in online education, particularly in courses requiring a highly interactive learning experience. Online courses using the constructivist model typically include collaborative learning activities, such as discussion forums or group projects.
Instructional Design In Online Higher Education: Advantages And Disadvantages
Each of the Instructional Design models discussed in this article has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to online higher education. The ADDIE model is a reliable, time-tested approach to Instructional Design, but it can be rigid and less adaptable to changing student needs. The SAM model is great for rapid development but can be challenging to implement in more extensive courses or programs. Merrill's first principles of instruction is effective for problem-solving and critical thinking courses. Still, there may be better fits for courses that require memorization or rote learning. Regarding online higher education, it's essential to consider which Instructional Design model best suits the specific course or program. Each model has its strengths and weaknesses, and selecting the right one can make all the difference in student engagement, retention, and success.
Additional Instructional Design Models
Below are three additional Instructional Design models, each with their unique approach and potential benefits for online higher education:
- Keller's ARCS model
Created by John Keller, the ARCS model focuses on creating instruction that is attention-grabbing, relevant, challenging, and satisfying. This model is particularly effective in motivating learners who may be disinterested in the subject matter or need more confidence in their learning ability. - Kemp design model
This model strongly emphasizes learner-centered design, focusing on engaging learners through interactivity and problem-solving. The Kemp design model is particularly well-suited to online courses that require learners to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. - Backward design model
This model begins with the end goal in mind, with the Instructional Designer first defining the learning objectives and then designing instruction to meet those objectives. This approach can be particularly effective in creating online courses aligned with the desired learning outcomes.
As with any Instructional Design model, there are advantages and disadvantages to each of the above models. For example, the constructivist model may be better for courses that require a more structured, didactic approach. At the same time, the Kemp design model may be less effective in courses with a heavy emphasis on theoretical concepts. In addition to selecting the right Instructional Design model, it's vital to ensure that the online course is designed to maximize its potential effectiveness. This includes creating a clear and consistent course structure, incorporating multimedia elements such as videos and interactive activities, and providing regular opportunities for feedback and assessment. Furthermore, it is vital to collaborate with Subject Matter Experts and Instructional Designers to ensure the course content and materials align well with the learning objectives and are appropriate for the target audience. Proper planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of online courses can ensure they are just as effective, if not more so, than their classroom-based counterparts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Instructional Design models are critical in developing effective online higher education courses. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different models and selecting the one best suited to the specific course or program, institutions can create engaging, effective, and impactful online learning experiences. With the right Instructional Design model, online higher education can provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to succeed in today's rapidly evolving global economy.
