Instructional Design Models from edX

In today’s interconnected world, online education has exploded with engaging learning experiences infused with interactive digital tools, digital media, and collaborative projects designed to engage dispersed learners. These highly engaging and effective courses are not created by chance - they are created by instructional designers using a careful and systematic design process.

In this course, you'll explore a rich array of instructional design models, each with its own unique strengths and applications. Throughout the eight weeks, you will learn about these models and discover how to identify the best model for your own online course. You will explore instructional design models like ADDIE, Dick and Carey, Understanding by Design (UbD), Rapid Instructional Design, and the Successive Approximation Model (SAM). You will also venture into the world of crafting course learning outcomes, learning objectives, learning activities, and assessments. The journey culminates with your signature assignment, where you'll have the opportunity to apply your newfound knowledge to create the essential components of an Instructional Design Document (IDD).

By the end of this course, you'll have the skills to architect powerful learning experiences.

This course is part of the Instructional Design and Technology MicroMaster’s program from UMGC. Upon completion of the program and receipt of the verified MicroMaster’s certificate, learners may then transition into the full UMGC Master’s Program in Learning Design and Technology. See the MicroMasters program page for more information.

What you'll learn

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

Describe fundamental principles of instructional design models, including ADDIE, Dick and Carey, Understanding by Design (UbD), Rapid Instructional Design, and SAM
Differentiate between instructional design models and their implications for instructional design
Analyze the strengths and limitations of instructional design models
Apply instructional design models to a variety of contexts
Build an Instructional Design portfolio to showcase knowledge of instructional design models and various instructional design components
Create an Instructional Design Document (IDD) for an identified minicourse

What's inside

Learning objectives

Describe fundamental principles of instructional design models, including addie, dick and carey, understanding by design (ubd), rapid instructional design, and sam
Differentiate between instructional design models and their implications for instructional design
Analyze the strengths and limitations of instructional design models

Apply instructional design models to a variety of contexts
Build an instructional design portfolio to showcase knowledge of instructional design models and various instructional design components
Create an instructional design document (idd) for an identified minicourse

Describe fundamental principles of instructional design models, including addie, dick and carey, understanding by design (ubd), rapid instructional design, and sam
Differentiate between instructional design models and their implications for instructional design
Analyze the strengths and limitations of instructional design models
Apply instructional design models to a variety of contexts
Build an instructional design portfolio to showcase knowledge of instructional design models and various instructional design components
Create an instructional design document (idd) for an identified minicourse

Syllabus

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Ideal for instructional designers seeking to build strong foundations for creating effective online learning experiences

Provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental instructional design models, including ADDIE, Dick and Carey, UbD, Rapid Instructional Design, and SAM

equips learners with the knowledge and skills to identify the best instructional design model for their specific online course

Builds a strong foundation for educators and instructional designers to develop engaging and effective online courses

Provides opportunities for learners to apply their knowledge through hands-on activities, such as creating learning objectives, learning activities, and assessments

Provides a clear and structured approach to instructional design, making it accessible to learners with varying levels of experience

Reviews summary

Foundations of instructional design models

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to core instructional design models like ADDIE, Dick and Carey, and SAM. Many students found the course structure logical and the content well-organized, particularly appreciating the breakdown of complex theories into manageable modules. The assignments, especially the IDD project, are often cited as highly practical and valuable for building a portfolio and applying concepts. Some noted that the depth of coverage on certain models could be expanded, and while the syllabus covers a broad range of models and concepts, learners seeking advanced or highly practical, hands-on application beyond the IDD might find it foundational. Overall, it is viewed as a strong starting point for those new to the field or seeking a structured overview.

Clearly aimed at career-focused learners.

"This course is clearly designed for aspiring instructional designers."

"The content and assignments align well with professional expectations in ID."

"As someone looking to enter the field, this course felt very relevant."

"Good fit for people pursuing the MicroMaster's or a career in ID."

Helps build a portfolio foundation.

"The assignments directly contribute to building an instructional design portfolio."

"Creating components like learning objectives and the IDD is essential for showcasing skills."

"I can definitely use the work from this course in my portfolio."

"Great for starting to gather work samples."

Content is organized logically and clearly.

"The way the course is broken down into weekly modules focusing on different models is very effective."

"I liked the flow of the course, building up knowledge module by module."

"The organization of the content made it easy to follow and understand each model."

"Everything felt well-structured and progressed logically."

Signature assignment helps apply concepts.

"The Instructional Design Document (IDD) assignment was the most valuable part; it helped me apply everything."

"Building the IDD felt like a real-world task and is great for my portfolio."

"I appreciated the hands-on component of developing the IDD components."

"Applying the models to create parts of an IDD made the theories much more concrete."

Provides a good overview of key ID models.

"The course gives a really good introduction to the main instructional design models."

"I found the coverage of ADDIE, Dick and Carey, and SAM to be very clear and concise."

"This is an excellent foundational course for understanding the landscape of ID models."

"I feel like I now have a solid understanding of the principles behind different design approaches."

Some models or topics could be deeper.

"While it covers many models, I wish there was a bit more depth on Rapid ID or SAM."

"The course is a great overview, but doesn't go deep into the nuances of applying each model in detail."

"Could use more examples or case studies for applying models beyond the basic overview."

"Felt like some modules were a bit rushed compared to others."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Instructional Design Models with these activities:

Review course materials in advance

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Get a head start on your learning by reviewing the syllabus, lecture notes, and other course materials prior to the start of the course.

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Read the course syllabus and identify key topics and learning objectives.
Preview the lecture notes and identify unfamiliar concepts or terms.
Review any assigned readings or online resources.

Participate in professional development events

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Expand your knowledge and engage with peers in the instructional design field.

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Attend workshops, conferences, or webinars on instructional design.
Join professional organizations related to instructional design.
Engage in online discussions or forums with other instructional designers.

Design an online course module

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Develop a comprehensive instructional design document for an online course module to demonstrate your understanding and application of instructional design principles.

Browse courses on Online Course Design

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Choose a topic for your online course module.
Develop learning objectives and align them with the ADDIE model.
Create an instructional design document that includes the course outline, learning activities, and assessments.
Review your IDD with a peer or instructor for feedback.

One other activity

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Connect with instructional design professionals

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Build your professional network by seeking guidance and mentorship from experienced instructional designers.

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Identify instructional design professionals in your field or industry.
Attend industry events and conferences to connect with potential mentors.
Reach out to professionals via email or LinkedIn to express your interest in mentorship.

Career center

Learners who complete Instructional Design Models will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer is a professional that uses instructional design models to create and improve educational experiences. They are responsible for designing instructional materials, activities, and assessments that engage learners and promote learning. This course provides a strong foundation in the process of creating effective instructional designs. It also covers various instructional design models and their applications. Taking this course can help you become a more effective Instructional Designer.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers are responsible for identifying learning needs, designing curricula, and evaluating learning programs. They use instructional design models to ensure that curricula are effective and meet the needs of learners. This course provides a comprehensive overview of instructional design models and their applications. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful Curriculum Developer.

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Learning and Development Specialist

Learning and Development Specialists focus on creating and delivering learning and training programs that enhance employee skills and knowledge. They use instructional design models to design and develop training materials, activities, and assessments that meet the needs of learners and organizations. This course will provide you with the foundation in instructional design that is essential for success in this role.

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Instructional Technologist

Instructional Technologists use technology to design, develop, implement, and evaluate instructional programs. They use instructional design models to ensure that the use of technology in learning is effective and efficient. This course will provide you with a strong understanding of instructional design and how it can be used to leverage technology to improve learning.

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Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants provide advice and guidance to educational institutions and organizations on how to improve teaching and learning. They use instructional design models to help schools and organizations develop effective learning programs. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective Educational Consultant.

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Instructional Coach

Instructional Coaches work with teachers and other educators to improve teaching and learning practices. They use instructional design models to help educators create and implement effective learning experiences. This course will provide you with the foundation in instructional design that is essential for success in this role.

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Training Manager

Training Managers are responsible for planning, developing, and implementing training programs for employees. They use instructional design models to ensure that training programs are effective and meet the needs of the organization. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective Training Manager.

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Educator

Educators teach students at all levels, from preschool to higher education. They use instructional design models to create and implement effective learning experiences. This course provides a strong foundation in instructional design and how it can be used to improve teaching and learning. Taking this course will help you become a more effective Educator.

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Instructional Project Manager

Instructional Project Managers plan, execute, and manage instructional design projects. They use instructional design models to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective Instructional Project Manager.

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Academic Director

Academic Directors oversee the academic programs and curricula of educational institutions. They use instructional design models to ensure that programs are effective and meet the needs of students and the institution. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective Academic Director.

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Dean of Education

Deans of Education lead and manage schools and colleges of education. They use instructional design models to ensure that the school or college is providing effective and innovative educational programs. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective Dean of Education.

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Chief Learning Officer

Chief Learning Officers are responsible for the overall learning and development strategy of an organization. They use instructional design models to ensure that the organization's learning and development programs are effective and aligned with the organization's goals. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective Chief Learning Officer.

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Instructional Support Specialist

Instructional Support Specialists provide support to teachers and other educators with the use of instructional technology and software. They use instructional design models to help educators create and implement effective learning experiences. This course may be useful for Instructional Support Specialists who want to learn more about instructional design and how it can be used to improve teaching and learning.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development, launch, and ongoing management of products. They use instructional design models to ensure that products are designed and developed to meet the needs of users. This course may be useful for Product Managers who want to learn more about instructional design and how it can be used to improve product development.

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User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers are responsible for designing and evaluating the user experience of products and services. They use instructional design models to ensure that products and services are easy to use and meet the needs of users. This course may be useful for User Experience Designers who want to learn more about instructional design and how it can be used to improve user experience.

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