Une REL fantastique 

In this lesson, you will

1. Learn about the ADDIE model and its stages
2. Explore the benefits and drawbacks of the ADDIE model

What is the ADDIE model?

ADDIE is an acronym for the framework that guides the course development process.  Watch the following video on the ADDIE model to find out more.  Then complete the matching exercise below which describes each ADDIE stage.

Why use the ADDIE model?

The purpose of the ADDIE model is to provide a framework to support the course development process.  Clearly defined stages guide course developers along the course development journey.  The model is simple and easy to remember.  It has been employed for decades and is an established and accepted foundation for instructional design.  Historically, it has been associated with design quality. 

The nice thing about ADDIE is it can be used in all types of projects, such as a learning intervention for AODA compliance in customer service or a training module on surgical devices for medical professionals.  Furthermore, this model aids in project management and doesn't require special training in project management techniques.

ADDIE also provides a holistic framework, which considers the relationships between stages rather than a series of self-contained sequential steps four course development.  What was done in previous stages impacts subsequent stages.  With that being said, the model also facilitates continuous course improvement and can be used to create prototypes. 

There are several tools that accompany the stages of ADDIE.  For example, templates for lesson plans can be helpful in the Design and Development stages.

Now that you can identify the stages of the ADDIE model and the model's advantages and disadvantages, we can examine the Design stage in more detail!  

Next lesson: Design in course development

Start with defining your "why".

• What are your learning objectives?
• What learning experience are you trying to solve?
• What do you want to teach people?

Next, identify the challenges your learners currently face in order to reach the learning objective(s) you just defined.

• What is keeping them from being able to learn what you're hoping to teach them?
• What are some learning gaps?
• What are some non-learning gaps?

Now it's time to start thinking about content.

It's easier to brainstorm all the content in terms of building blocks:

• What are the "steps" that will form the journey to get the learner from Point A to Point B?
• What does the learning experience need to consist of, in order to fulfill the learning objective?

Like a puzzle, the content building blocks of the learning experience should "fit" together well. 

• Will you incorporate spaced learning?
• Do you have a progressive case study approach?
• What's the starting point and what's the end-point for what you will teach?

Now try structuring and organizing the content you've planned. Organize the blocks in a sequence that fits the asynchronous and/or synchronous nature of your lesson/course/module.

Especially in an online setting, the sequenced content you've planned should be matched with appropriate learning activities.

Think about all the different ways your learners can absorb the information.

• How will they interact with the different concepts and skills?
• How will they apply and practice new knowledge?

Examples of interaction formats for learning activities may include: audio, video, text, discussions, quizzes, critique sessions, lectures, projects, demos, etc.

Great! Now that you've thought about: learning objectives, possible challenges faced by learners, content, sequencing/rhythm, and learning activities... 

It's time to take a step back and reflect on the sensory aspect of the learning experience. Sure, it's an online learning experience — but that doesn't mean it can't include offline, asynchronous formats or other ideas to take learning beyond the screen.

What are some words to describe how you want the learning experience to look and feel like for your learners?

A Japanese, slow-food "kaiseki" approach to designing educational experiences:

From start to finish, our goal is to craft a meaningful sequence of learning events that will give our students the taste, texture, appearance & colors of new and relevant knowledge.