Learning Development Life Cycle – The ADDIE Model

My previous post on document development life cycle explains the various stages involved in a structured document creation. In this post, let’s outline the learning development life cycle using the ADDIE model. This model is a traditional instructional designing model consisting of five phases:

Analysis
It involves data gathering, identifying the training requirements, and understanding customer expectations.
The output generally includes scope of work document, project kick-off pitch, project plan, and Training Need Analysis (TNA) document.
Design
Based on the analysis, the design or the blueprint of the training is created.
A key output of this phase is the training design document.
Development
Training development and pilot testing are the hallmarks of this phase. This phase may also include the prototype creation.
The output developed includes storyboards, prototype, alpha, beta, and the final delivery of the training.
Implementation
It involves the actually delivery of the training to the learner.
The output is the deployment of the training on the Learning Management System (LMS) or deployment of the classroom training materials.
Evaluation
We determine the effectiveness of the training. We should keep in mind that evaluation in reality takes place at every point throughout the ISD process.
The output is user feedback form analysis and recommendations for enhancement.    

We’ll review each phase in detail in my subsequent posts.

Instructional Design: Back to Basics

I remember my 4-year old neighbor describing why Christmas is celebrated. She explained in her cute way that Jesus was born on this day and so this is celebrated as a holiday around the world. When I was wondering how smart children are, she shared that Christmas story was shown to her in school on a smart board and all the children in her class were made to role play. I was really impressed. I just felt that this is what Instructional design (ID) is all about. It is about creating a learning experience.

Technically speaking, ID is the practice of creating "instructional experiences which make the acquisition of knowledge and skill more efficient, effective, and appealing." ID is about delivering effective training for corporate, schools, colleges, government, military, and so on. ID may range from teaching Algebra to a high school student to teaching a Software Application to a Technician working in a Plant. Anywhere, there is going to be a training program, you will find ID practices. However, the challenge is bridging the gap between what is taught and what is effectively learned. How to engage learners with clear and meaningful training content? How to create a learning experience?

Well, as Instructional Designers we are taught the basic theories and strategies of making learning effective and interesting. My next few posts will talk about my journey in this field - unraveling the fundamental ID concepts, theories, strategies, and the best practices. Feel free to share your opinions and the latest updates in this field with me at richasmita@gmail.com.

Style Guide in Technical Writing

As technical writers, you are often asked to create or refer to style guides? Why? Style guides can help in improving document quality and in standardizing document presentation. For example what is correct - 5 or five? Style guides can help you decide this. Let’s understand the basics of style guides.

What?

Style Guide is a set of standards that highlights the preferred writing style, punctuation, spelling, and formatting used for various publications by an organization. You can refer to industry-accepted style guides or create your own in-house guide.

Why?

• Consistency – Ensures consistent and uniform look of all publications, thus enabling readers to seek information with better ease and speed. For example, if you are using American English, you will make sure you write “analyze” and not “analyse” throughout your document though both are grammatically correct spellings.
  

• Easy Writing and Editing – It is easy to create or review a document if the writing rules are already clarified. You can refer them any point in time to make sure you are using the correct format.
  

• Effective and Fair Writing – Adherence to style guide helps to create neutral and effective publications regardless of each author’s personal writing style. For example, you will follow the capitalization rules as specified in the style guide instead of your own way.

Examples:

• Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications (MSTP)
• Sun Style Guide
• Chicago Manual of Style
• Elements of Style
• Apple Style Guide