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After an understanding of Instructional Design, we moved into talking about different models Instructional Designers use. As everyone indicated they had a high priority for learning more about active learning and group work, instead of a lecture (or even a facilitated discussion), we used groups to get to the content.

The layout of the class was:

  1. Why models are important
  2. Divide up into groups and pick models to investigate
  3. Groups researched their models, created a PowerPoint slide (aka poster) on their topic
  4. Each group sent a representative to present their slide and explain their concept
  5. We talked about what the models have in common, how they inform our teaching, what we already do using these models (without knowing them), and how these models could improve what we do.

The main points (I had) for the group:

  • Models give us a vocabulary for what we do and a framework to use when approaching a big task. This allows us to identify areas that need work and make improvements.
  • ID Models can apply to a curriculum, a 3 hour course, a one-shot session, or even a handout. They’re macro and micro.
  • The models are all really simple, so picking one and running with it isn’t a bad thing. I use ADDIE.
  • These models are cyclical, so the evaluation from one phase feeds into the analysis of the next phase.

Interested in the posters? They’re here: