ID+Process

=Instructional Design Process =

Overview
Instructional Design (ID) is the process of design and development, utilizing scientifically-based methods and processes, in order to create a viable educational end-product. ID applies to educational tools both in the realm of traditional education, as well as non-traditional or business training scenarios. The ID process can assist in the creation of any training or educational resource, regardless of medium or delivery mechanism. The ID process attempts to design and develop within the construct of specific learner and environmental scenarios, in order to maximize the educational impact and effectiveness of the end-product.

Preferred ID Model
My preferred method of ID design and development is //Dick and Carey's Systems Approach Model//. I am most naturally a strategist in thought, and a traditional process oriented model like this enables my brain to function more efficiently. This model creates a strong linear flow, helpful to gauge progress as you move through the design and development process. The implementation of revision throughout the process enables this model to be flexible and sensitive to learning demands, the discovery of new information, or environmental/learning factors that were not part of the initial project analysis.

The Kemp, Morrison, and Ross Instructional Design Plan offered too much flexibility and too little structure for me to effectively utilize it from a process and project management standpoint. Although the continual improvement, gained through rapid prototyping, is obtained through the cyclical and non-linear nature of the design plan is helpful, it does not allow for adequate planning or speculation through the process.

(Brown & Green, 10-11)

ID Utilization
I work within the corporate training industry, and we follow the ADDIE process closely to allow proper client feedback and end-product analysis. The ID process creates several opportunities to check on the overall status of a training initiative as the product moves through the design and development cycle. As a designer, I am often tasked with creating graphical models to depict learner behaviors based off of information obtained early in the design phase of the ID process. I generally receive initial verbal concepts along with defined learning objectives as source material to create initial product mockups, and to create recommendations for delivery strategy. This information is then implemented into the final product through the development phase. I also use the evaluation portion of the ADDIE model to adapt the learning tools I create based on learner feedback or behaviors exhibited in product pilots.

Reference
Brown, A. & Green, T.D. (2006), The Essentials of Instructional Design: Connecting Fundamental Principles with Process and Practice. Upper Saddle River: NJ: Pearson. Dick, W., Carey, L., & Carey, J.O. (2001). The Systematic Design of Instruction. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.