The ADDIE model is one of the first things that comes up when you search the words “instructional design models.” But what is it and where did it come from?
What is ADDIE?
ADDIE stands for Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate Each word refers to a phase of instructional design (the process of creating instructional materials to change behaviors, improve performance, and increase knowledge). The method was invented in 1975 at Florida State University as a better way to train the US military. Today, it is still an immensely popular method for instructional design, and most other models in the field today are based on ADDIE.
Analyze
The first phase of ADDIE consists of an analysis of the project. The instructional designer (ID) needs to know the project scope, the audience, and what subject matter experts will contribute information, if any. The ID also needs to understand who the audience is, what they already know, what they need to know, and the desired outcome of the course.
Different projects need unique materials, so this stage determines the best method for sharing the information. Is it going to be instructor led? Is it going to be an eLearning course? Maybe you need an instructional video or just a job aid. Questions like these help determine what kind of technology and resources the project needs for completion. This phase also consists of setting a project timeline and creating a storyboard.
The clearer you are in this phase, the easier and faster it will be for the ID to create your training. Try to include as much information as possible in your startup documents. If you think of something you’d like to add later in the process, that’s okay; but, remember, it will slow things down, especially if you add it while your project is in the development phase. Your project may bounce back to an earlier phase.
Design
The design stage relies heavily on the learning objectives established in the analysis phase. Now, your ID picks elements like font and color scheme, and selects the media they’ll include in your course. This could be photographs, clip art, and animations. The ID creates a template to hold the content. After that, it is time to determine the assessments and to design interactions and engagements to help your learners understand the material. Then, your ID completes any remaining graphic design work.
Develop
All the pieces from the analysis and design phases come together in the development stage. The ID makes everything work: animations, variable triggers, and even computer coding. Any requested audio and video are added in this stage. The ID makes sure everything connects and moves the way that it should. When the ID is sure everything is working properly, they send it to you for comments. If you are satisfied, then it can move on to the next stage. If not, it goes back into either the development or design phase. Occasionally, you need to take a step back and re-analyze the project.
Implement
After you’ve decided that you are satisfied with the course, it moves into the implementation phase. Here, the ID uploads the course to a learning management system, or the instructor presents the course. In other words, this is when the course is shared with your learners. This can happen in a variety of ways depending on the technology you use, including PowerPoint, eLearning software, email, and video.
Evaluate
Two kinds of evaluation are a part of the ADDIE process: formative and summative. Formative evaluation is conducted in each phase. You think about how the instructional materials that the designer is putting together match up with what you need.
Formative evaluation
You can get impressive results by considering the following questions during a formative evaluation:
- Does anything need to be changed?
- Are the colors off?
- Is the information correct?
- Do you want different kinds of questions?
- Should the interactions be changed?
Summative evaluation
A summative evaluation is when, after implementation of the course, you examine its successes and failures. During a summative evaluation, ask the following questions:
- Did performance improve?
- How close are we to our desired performance improvement?
- What helped get the point across the most?
- What was harmful to understanding?
- What should we do differently next time?
These two types of evaluation can help you develop better courses. Don’t forget that it can take an ID some time to get used to a new client’s preferences. The evaluation phase is especially helpful in generating a common mindset.
Two Models
There are two main ways to visually represent the ADDIE model: the waterfall and the circle. The main difference between the two models is that the waterfall model uses a summative evaluation, while the circular model uses a formative evaluation.
Waterfall Model (Linear)
Circular Model (Iterative)
Sometimes a project must move back to another phase because of something discovered during Evaluation. This is why some people have stepped away from the waterfall model and instead display the process in a circular format. This model accounts for both the formative and summative aspects of the evaluation stage.
Conclusion
When it comes to guiding the creation of instructional material, the ADDIE model is practical and beneficial. Both the waterfall and circular representations are accurate, although designers today tend to use the circular version to show the fluidity of the phases. ADDIE helps generate communication between client and designer. Best of all, its flexible approach is ideal for various projects.
Our instructional designers are well-versed in the ADDIE approach to creating trainings. Ask us how they can collaborate with you on your next training endeavor!
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