Training often follows on the heels of a documentation project, or, alternatively, can be
placed ahead, during the quality testing phase for a product, or as a separate initiative
altogether.
Typically, if both documentation and training deliverables have been identified as being
needed, one lends itself to the other. This means that if training materials were developed
first, the content is again reused for documentation deliverables. Similarly, any
documentation that is developed may be used and re-fashioned for training deliverables.
Training is a necessary initiative whenever the user needs updated information,
instruction on using a new product, learning a new skill, receiving instruction for
certification, meeting safety standard requirements, academic requirements, and other
demands.
Training is produced in instructor-led format (classroom setting with curriculum, an
instructor, and training materials). On the other hand, to keep costs down, reach a larger
audience, many training initiatives today look to online delivery as the preferred format.
Whether online or instructor-led, all training initiatives should meet the adult learning
standards in both design and delivery. The following article excerpt explains the
methodology of ADDIE for instructional system design:
What is Instructional Systems Design?
The most widely used methodology for developing new training programs is called Instructional
Systems Design (ISD) It is also known as Instructional Systems Design & Development (ISDD), the
Systems Approach to Training (SAT), or just Instructional Design (ID). This approach provides a step by
step system for the evaluation of students' needs, the design and development of training
materials, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of the training intervention.
ISD evolved from post-World War II research in the United States military to find a more effective and
manageable way to create training programs. These efforts led to early ISD models that were
developed and taught in the late 1960's at Florida State University. Today, Walter Dick and Lou Carey
are widely viewed as the torchbearers of the methodology, with their authoritative book, The
Systematic Design of Instruction (Dick and Carey).
Why Use a Systems Approach?
A system is any set of components that work together to achieve a specified outcome or goal. Think
of the cruise control system on your car. You set the desired speed (or goal) and the cruise control
sets the gas injection to the proper level. An important aspect of any system is the feedback
mechanisms that ensure the goal is achieved or maintained. Using the cruise control analogy, the car
does not just lock the gas pedal in one position. If you begin to drive uphill, the car briefly slows down
until the speedometer information is fed back to the cruise control system, which then increases the
amount of gas and the desired speed is reached once again.
Just as a systems approach with its requisite feedback makes cruise control a viable system to
maintain driving speed, so, too, the systems approach provides the smoothest development means
for training programs.
The ADDIE Model
There are more than 100 different ISD models, but almost all are based on the generic "ADDIE"
model, which stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation, as
illustrated in the figure below. Each step has an outcome that feeds the subsequent step.
Analysis --> Design --> Development --> Implementation --> Evaluation
During analysis, the designer develops a clear understanding of the "gaps" between the desired
outcomes or behaviors, and the audience's existing knowledge and skills. The design phase
documents specific learning objectives, assessment instruments, exercises, and content. The actual
creation of learning materials is completed in the development phase. During implementation, these
materials are delivered or distributed to the student group. After delivery, the effectiveness of the
training materials is evaluated.
Alternate Design Models
The ADDIE model has been criticized by some as being too systematic, that is, too linear, too
inflexible, too constraining, and even too time-consuming to implement. As an alternative to the
systematic approach, there are a variety of systemic design models that emphasize a more holistic,
iterative approach to the development of training. Rather than developing the instruction in phases,
the entire development team works together from the start to rapidly build modules, which can be
tested with the student audience, and then revised based on their feedback.
The systemic approach to development has many advantages when it comes to the creation of
technology-based training. To create engaging metaphors or themes, artists and writers work
together in a process that validates the creative approach with students early in the development
cycle. Programmers and designers garner agreement as to which learning activities are both effective
as well as possible, given the constraints of the client's computers or network.
Despite these advantages, there are practical challenges with a purely systemic design approach in
the management of resources. In most cases, training programs must be developed under a fixed --
and often limited -- budget and schedule.
While it is very easy to allocate people and time to each
step in the ISD model, it is harder to plan deliverables when there are no distinct steps in the process.
The holistic approach begs the questions, "How many iterations, and time, will it take to finish the program?" "Do the contributions made by programmers and artists in the design phase, who have no
formal background in instruction, warrant the extra time required and additional compensation for this
time?"
Introducing a Rapid Prototyping Phase
For best results, the development process for CD-ROM or Web-based training programs should use
a modified ADDIE model, which borrows from the most valuable aspects of the systemic approach.
Specifically, a rapid prototype phase is inserted after, or as an extension of, the design phase. A rapid
prototype is simply a quickly assembled module that can be tested with the student audience early in
the ISD process. The evaluation typically looks at things like how well the learners responded to the
creative metaphor, how effective the learning activities are, and how well the program performs on
the chosen technology platform. Based on the feedback, the design can be revised and another
prototype developed. This iterative process continues until there is agreement and confidence in the
prototype.
In this process, only after the prototype is completed is additional development work done. However,
this work often moves more quickly after a rapid prototype than in the traditional ADDIE model.
Instructional designers and writers are able to proceed more efficiently since they know exactly what
the program will look like and what it will be capable of doing. Additionally, with all of the major
technical issues resolved, final programming becomes a simple matter of assembly of media
components.