ADDIE, SAM, Rapid Prototyping, and Gradual Release, instructional design models give frameworks for outlining training programs.
Each model breaks down the training development into smaller segments, but all models have some sort of analysis, development and evaluation. They may have different methods for approaching those stages or breaking them down into more manageable pieces.
When choosing between models, you should always use the one that aligns the organization with your workflow, your team and your content.
For example, if you're working with short deadlines, SAM may be the best model for you. If you have a highly flexible team, Rapid Prototyping may work best. And if you have training that focuses primarily on behavioral outcomes, you may want to choose Gradual Release.
Each model breaks down the training development into smaller segments, but all models have some sort of analysis, development and evaluation. They may have different methods for approaching those stages or breaking them down into more manageable pieces.
When choosing between models, you should always use the one that aligns the organization with your workflow, your team and your content.
For example, if you're working with short deadlines, SAM may be the best model for you. If you have a highly flexible team, Rapid Prototyping may work best. And if you have training that focuses primarily on behavioral outcomes, you may want to choose Gradual Release.
ADDIE
ADDIE is a widely used model, but it may not be best for your specific training needs. Following are some of the benefits and drawbacks of the ADDIE model.
Benefits
ADDIE is a commonly used and widely accepted model. It serves as the foundation for most other instructional design models. It is flexible and it can be used for traditional instruction, individual instruction and across industries. In addition, ADDIE can be used with different evaluation strategies. Some say that ADDIE works best when testing for easily measured criteria, like time and cost, but if your team is measuring behavioral outcomes, you can add those goals and measurements to your program.
Drawbacks
A common complaint is that ADDIE is a linear process. That one stage must be completed before moving to the next. But, this depends on how you implement the model into your own workflow. Other drawbacks are that it's time consuming and costly. If you encounter any setbacks or changes, it often requires more time to regroup than a more agile model would. Again, this depends on how you adapt the model to fit your needs. Because of these drawbacks, newer instructional design models are more agile. They have similar stages to ADDIE, but don't require each stage to be completed before moving to the next. As with every instructional design model, you must decide how to apply the stages of the ADDIE model to your specific project.
Benefits
ADDIE is a commonly used and widely accepted model. It serves as the foundation for most other instructional design models. It is flexible and it can be used for traditional instruction, individual instruction and across industries. In addition, ADDIE can be used with different evaluation strategies. Some say that ADDIE works best when testing for easily measured criteria, like time and cost, but if your team is measuring behavioral outcomes, you can add those goals and measurements to your program.
Drawbacks
A common complaint is that ADDIE is a linear process. That one stage must be completed before moving to the next. But, this depends on how you implement the model into your own workflow. Other drawbacks are that it's time consuming and costly. If you encounter any setbacks or changes, it often requires more time to regroup than a more agile model would. Again, this depends on how you adapt the model to fit your needs. Because of these drawbacks, newer instructional design models are more agile. They have similar stages to ADDIE, but don't require each stage to be completed before moving to the next. As with every instructional design model, you must decide how to apply the stages of the ADDIE model to your specific project.
SAM (Successive Approximation Model)
SAM is a fast, agile, and collaborative model that many instructional designers are using. It's been adopted by the ASTD, the American Society for Training and Development, and their education and training.
Benefits
Teams collaborate early and often. The collaborative nature of SAM allows teams to be flexible, and the repetitive review stages leave lots of opportunities to communicate any changes or feedback.
Changes are incorporated right away. Iterative models are loved for the responsive nature and SAM is no different. Changes that need to be made to the training, or external changes, like budget or schedule, are incorporated and can even be anticipated if the team has been in communication during the entire process. Using SAM can save time and money. Many teams see the benefit of the iterative process because changes can be costly. By anticipating any adjustments, and allowing time to identify changes, the project can be flexible without having to be redone.
Disadvantages
SAM is repetitive. Some critics of SAM argue that the repetitive nature can lead teams to become desensitized to the review process and this can allow for errors. Another argument is that the repeat of cycles can waste time and resources, especially if the project doesn't require that level of review. Michael Allen's popular book, Leaving ADDIE for SAM, has many instructional designers wondering why they should leave ADDIE if it's working for them. Both models require analysis, design, development, and evaluation, all of which are key parts to creating effective training.
Both models outline the steps to take when developing your training, but it's the application of these models, how you and your team implement the stages of either ADDIE or SAM into your workflow that will determine your success. Diversity in process is a good thing. Like all models, SAM is only successful if it fits your team and your projects.
Benefits
Teams collaborate early and often. The collaborative nature of SAM allows teams to be flexible, and the repetitive review stages leave lots of opportunities to communicate any changes or feedback.
Changes are incorporated right away. Iterative models are loved for the responsive nature and SAM is no different. Changes that need to be made to the training, or external changes, like budget or schedule, are incorporated and can even be anticipated if the team has been in communication during the entire process. Using SAM can save time and money. Many teams see the benefit of the iterative process because changes can be costly. By anticipating any adjustments, and allowing time to identify changes, the project can be flexible without having to be redone.
Disadvantages
SAM is repetitive. Some critics of SAM argue that the repetitive nature can lead teams to become desensitized to the review process and this can allow for errors. Another argument is that the repeat of cycles can waste time and resources, especially if the project doesn't require that level of review. Michael Allen's popular book, Leaving ADDIE for SAM, has many instructional designers wondering why they should leave ADDIE if it's working for them. Both models require analysis, design, development, and evaluation, all of which are key parts to creating effective training.
Both models outline the steps to take when developing your training, but it's the application of these models, how you and your team implement the stages of either ADDIE or SAM into your workflow that will determine your success. Diversity in process is a good thing. Like all models, SAM is only successful if it fits your team and your projects.
Rapid Prototyping
Rapid prototyping may fit your needs if you're looking for a very flexible and agile approach to the ADDIE model.
Benefits
Rapid prototyping allows for lots of communication across your team. You'll get immediate feedback on the training. You can catch problems early in the development stages by reviewing and testing early. The non-linear approach is flexible. You can customize the stages to fit your workflow, and it reduces development time and cost.
Because you're able to develop and test quickly, the training is completed faster than using a traditional model.
Drawbacks
Fast development may result in errors. Even though you may have reviewed the training several times, the expedited nature may allow errors to slip through. Faster and cheaper training can be seen as lower in quality. If you're reusing materials or using templates, it may not have the fully-customized experience that it would if you were building the training from scratch. And steps may be skipped.
Even experienced instructional designers may neglect steps if they're not following an outlined process. You may find that your team thrives on the fast-paced workflow that rapid prototyping delivers. If your instructional designers are experienced and can fully customize the ADDIE model to the current project, rapid prototyping may suit your needs.
Benefits
Rapid prototyping allows for lots of communication across your team. You'll get immediate feedback on the training. You can catch problems early in the development stages by reviewing and testing early. The non-linear approach is flexible. You can customize the stages to fit your workflow, and it reduces development time and cost.
Because you're able to develop and test quickly, the training is completed faster than using a traditional model.
Drawbacks
Fast development may result in errors. Even though you may have reviewed the training several times, the expedited nature may allow errors to slip through. Faster and cheaper training can be seen as lower in quality. If you're reusing materials or using templates, it may not have the fully-customized experience that it would if you were building the training from scratch. And steps may be skipped.
Even experienced instructional designers may neglect steps if they're not following an outlined process. You may find that your team thrives on the fast-paced workflow that rapid prototyping delivers. If your instructional designers are experienced and can fully customize the ADDIE model to the current project, rapid prototyping may suit your needs.
The Gradual Release Model
The Gradual Release Model may fit your needs if you're looking for a way to not only teach a skill, but to teach mastery.
Benefits
The Gradual Release Model teaches mastery of a skill. The students learn the application, not just how to do it, and the students gain confidence because they took responsibility for their own learning. And the students receive an individual level of instruction so they can perform their best.
Drawbacks
Assessments are developed before the training, so thestudent may not be prepared because assessment isn't flexible. It takes more time to unlearn misconceptions or misunderstandings if the process is taught incorrectly or prematurely, or the student didn't get the focused attention that they needed. Because of this, Gradual Release Model is better in small group settings, which is not always possible. The teacher is responsible for identifying weaknesses and misunderstandings in each individual student.
Benefits
The Gradual Release Model teaches mastery of a skill. The students learn the application, not just how to do it, and the students gain confidence because they took responsibility for their own learning. And the students receive an individual level of instruction so they can perform their best.
Drawbacks
Assessments are developed before the training, so thestudent may not be prepared because assessment isn't flexible. It takes more time to unlearn misconceptions or misunderstandings if the process is taught incorrectly or prematurely, or the student didn't get the focused attention that they needed. Because of this, Gradual Release Model is better in small group settings, which is not always possible. The teacher is responsible for identifying weaknesses and misunderstandings in each individual student.