Instructional Design Model Similarities, etc.

The various ID models (Dick & Carey Model- Big 8 Model of Instructional Design- ASSURE Model- The Complete Instructional Design Plan- ADDIE Model ) all share some basic characteristics.

Each characteristic emphasizes a clear starting point and ending point. The starting points vary for each model, but all end with the evaluation of one's ID. Similarly, none of the ID models, save The Complete Instructional Design Plan, offer or suggest any opportunity for mid-process evaluation. Perhaps this is assumed by the authors of the various designs but it is not made explicit.

In short, the models all essentially ask the user to assess the same basic things: content/concept to be taught, learner(s), method to be used (including technology used), assessment of learning, evaluation of design. The various models break these elements into various numbers of steps, but all essentially get at the same end goal: a finished lesson/unit/course, etc.

Despite their similarities each model does present it's own intricacies which make one better suited than the others to meet a given purpose. This is my take on the "best" use for each traditional ID model.

The Dick and Carey Model: This model might best be used as a "jumping off point" for the first time instructional designer. The steps are linear and take a good deal into account.

The Big Eight Model: This model would be good to use for a class in which the concepts to be taught are not incredibly complex; something falling in the Knowledge level of Bloom's Taxonomy. The benefit of this model is the explicit step for choosing supporting media. A step which is often forgotten in teaching Knowledge level material.

ASSURE Model: This model would be best used for teaching a lesson which would be heavily dependent upon learner participation: analyzing a piece of literature using class discussion, for instance.

The Complete Instructional Design Plan: This plan would be best if used for designing an entire course or curriculum. The multiple opportunities to evaluate present numerous chances to recheck one's work and make double double sure that what you are doing is truly meeting the needs of the various stakeholders.

ADDIE Model: This model would best be used in designing training courses for a business. The checking with the client necessitates the client already having some idea of what they are looking for. Additionally, the development stage of the model allows for "dry runs" to be done with the ID to fine tune. This model would not be effective when used by classroom teachers because there is no such thing as a dry run lesson.