Putting Theory Into Practice

ADDIE

Having more than ten years of experience as a teacher and school administrator, anchoring all design decisions in bonafide research, frameworks, and theories becomes second nature. The ADDIE model is the foundational approach to instructional design. Here is my interpretation of ADDIE; each phase of development comes with clear tasks and deliverables along with the corresponding theories and frameworks found at the bottom of the chart. The theories really do apply in instructional design work. 

UDL (Universal Design)

Originally an architectural design concept, UDL soon became emblem of the eLearning industry. The term “universal design” is used to describe building a product, building, or environment that is not only aesthetically pleasing but usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life. Since eLearning takes place in online (versus physical) spaces nowadays, it sure makes a lot of since that UDL would apply to instructional design – doesn’t it? Design experiences with multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression for learners and you’ve built some solid foundations for impactful learning. 

 

Multiple Modalities of Learning

We have greatly evolved from the days of rote learning and brick-and-mortar classrooms. As early as the 1980s, Howard Gardner a professor of education at the Harvard University developed the theory of multiple intelligences. The idea that there are many types of I.Q.s is a good one and has changed the game of education. Today, the four main modalities educators address are the visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic sensory needs of learners they teach. 

 

Sally’s 2 Guiding Questions: 

All the theories I put into play in my instructional design work comes down to two things: (1) have you created an experience? (2) are multiple sensory modalities called upon within the experience? Happy designing!