What is Instructional Design

Instructional Design is the systematic development of instructional specifications using learning and instructional theory to ensure the quality of instruction. It is the entire process of analysis of learning needs and goals and the development of a delivery system to meet those needs. It includes development of instructional materials and activities; and tryout and evaluation of all instruction and learner activities.

"Best way to respect learners: Use techniques that research has proven to work. Help people reach their goals without
wasting their time.” — Cathy Moore.

Instructional Design for eLearning

The Instructional Design for eLearning course covers the methodology, skills, and techniques necessary for developing effective eLearning solutions. This course provides the foundation for instructional development. In this course, you will: explore current theories, principles, methodologies, and techniques of online learning, create interactive eLearning solutions that meet your learners’ needs, and gain strong knowledge and skills to design eLearning interactions that increase learning effectiveness and decrease costs

Instructional design models help instructional designers to make sense of abstract learning theory and enable real world application. An instructional design model provides structure and meaning to an instructional design problem. Many of them have common instructional design principles and patterns. Below is a list of the most common instructional design models (including the ADDIE model) that are used to design learning experiences, courses, and instructional content.

Instructional Design Models

• ADDIE Model

The ADDIE Model was first created for the U.S. Military during the 1970s by Florida State University. ADDIE is an acronym for a five-phase course development process. The ADDIE model generally consists of five interrelated phases—Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The ADDIE model represents a flexible guideline for building effective training and instructional materials. See each of the phases below:

• Analysis

In the analysis phase of the ADDIE model the instructional problem is identified. The instructional goals, success metrics, and overall objectives are also established. Information regarding the learner such as the learning environment, preferences, demographics, and existing knowledge and skills are also identified during this phase.

• Design

The design phase of the ADDIE model nails down learning objectives, instructional methods and activities, storyboards, content, subject matter knowledge, lesson outlines, and media assets.

• Development

The development phase of the ADDIE model is where instructional designers develop the content and learning interactions outlined in the design phase. During this phase, content is written and graphics, audio, and photography are also produced and assembled.

• Implementation

During the implementation part of the ADDIE model, the instructional designer delivers the content and materials to Learning Management Systems (LMS) or directly to the trainer for live training events. The instructional designer also provides training needed to trainers, facilitators, SME's or instructors.

• Evaluation

During the evaluation phase of the ADDIE model, the instructional designer determines what success will look like and how it will be measured. Often times, the evaluation consists of two phases: formative and summative. Formative evaluation is iterative and is done throughout the design and development processes. This occurs all throughout the ADDIE process. Summative evaluation consists of tests that are done after the training materials are delivered. The results from these test help to inform the instructional designer and stake holders on whether or not the training accomplished its original goals outlined in the analysis phase.