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The e-Learning journey

Three Methodologies
There are three basic methodologies when it comes to Instructional Design, the ADDIE method, the Agile method and SAM. All three have some of the same steps all differ dramatically. In a nutshell:

 

  • ADDIE - Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement and Evaluate is the traditional approach where the ID team starts with what is needed/wanted, creates a storyboard, then designs a prototype and when approved develops the course. This is the traditional approach to course design. 

  • Agile - is an iterative approach often used in systems training. While an upfront analysis is done and needs and wants are assessed, the design and development can change several times over the course of the application development. This allows stakeholders the opportunity to change their minds, recreate needs/wants and pretty much form the system as it is being built. The ID needs to be very flexible and go with the flow which typically results in at least a few iterations of the training. 

  • SAM - Successive Approximation Model which emphasizes rapid development through the process of interitive reviews of prototypes in both the design and development phases. Essentially another type of agile methodology but it can result in even more back and forth before a final product or service is created.

Workflows Often Used in e-Learning

Here are some frequently used flows when creating courses and uploading them to the LMS.

  • The first is the ADDIE process which you can see is progressive with each step starting after the last step is completed. Note that the client updates are part of the design and development process where as in Agile updates are typically done after a completion of something like a version of an application.

  • The second is Agile process where you can see the iterative approach where steps can change (5 - 7) as many times as needed, until the project is complete. It's this part of the process that the Instructional Designer needs to be flexible and willing to update or change as needed.

  • The final flow is a publishing to a LMS (Learning Management System). Note that LMSs vary greatly so this is simply a sample flow.

ADDIE Methodology
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Agile Methodology
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Beth Sargent Instructional Design

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