Contribution of Instructional Design Theory and Models

Lesson 6: Contribution of Instructional Design Theory and Models

In the previous lesson, you learned about the contributions of learning theory to the development of IDT. You learned that instructional designers generally do not simply make assumptions on how people learn best. Researchers have developed many theories on how learning occurs. Instructional designers take these theories into account when developing their instruction. You have practiced with this in Assignment 5.

Another branch of theory that is vital for our field is instructional theory. Various researchers have developed theories and models on how instruction can be designed to make it most effective. So rather than just creating programs, products, and lessons the way we think we should or the way we personally like them best, you will learn about instructional theories and models that are based on many years of research. Their effectiveness has been demonstrated in many research studies and practice. Like learning theories, there is not one instructional model or theory that can account for all learning. Similar to learning theory, it is also likely that instructional theories keep evolving over time.

First, read Chapter 3: Characteristics of Foundational Instructional Design Models to learn about foundational instructional design models that are used in the field of IDT that are based on the ADDIE process

Next, read Chapter 4: SAM and Pebble-in-the-Pond: Two Alternatives to the ADDIE Model to learn more about two different types of instructional design models which are alternatives to the ADDIE-type models.

If you happen to be interested in reading more about how instructional theory has evolved over time and contributed to the field of IDT, you could also read the recommended Chapter 5: Early Instructional Theory from the book The Instructional Design Knowledge Base by Richey, Klein, and Tracey. As you read these chapters, write down events that you want add to the timeline that you are developing.

Assignment 6: Instructional Theory Questions

Description

Based on the two chapters that you read, please answer the following questions:

Did you ever follow any method or model when designing your instruction? If so which one and how do you use it?
How are instructional theories different from learning theories?
In Chapter 2: Characteristics of Instructional Design Models, you read about different instructional design models and approaches that have been developed over time (such as the Dick, Carey, and Carey model, the ADDIE model, the Pebble-in-the-Pond-Approach, and SAM). Which of the models appeals to you most? Why?
Choose one of the models or approaches you read about and explain how you could use it in your own instruction.

Submitting Your Assignment
At the end of this lesson you will submit your completed assignment. Assignment 6 should be prepared using Microsoft Word. At the top of your document you should have the lesson name, and underneath that should be your name, email address, and the date. When you save the document as a file on your computer, make sure the file is named “Assignment6”. After you have saved your file, go to the student interface and submit your assignment for grading. Click here if you need additional information regarding submission of your assignment.

Grading Criteria

Described personal experiences with instructional approaches and models (2)
Explained how instructional theories differ from learning theory (2)
Described which model is most appealing and why (2)
Explained how an instructional design model can be applied in own teaching (2)
Correctly cited sources using APA Style (2)

Points: 10