In this blog, we explore the SAM and ADDIE instructional design models. Both are recognised instructional design models for the development of eLearning content. However, one may be better suited to your eLearning project than the other. So let’s dive in.
SAM
SAM stands for Successive Approximations Model. It is iterative and involves the development of rapid prototypes followed by a review process. This cycle repeats until the course is ready for rollout. SAM is a design loop and has three stages:
Stage 1: Preparation phase
The preparation phase involves gathering information about what kind of training is required, who the learners are, what skills or knowledge they need to acquire, what’s possible and any constraints on the project.
Stage 2: Iterative design phase
This stage involves three parts:
- The Savvy Start
- Project planning
- Additional design
The Savvy Start is a brainstorming session, which involves the subject matter experts (SMEs), the instructional designers, the learners and other stakeholders. Savvy Starts begin with the end in mind. It examines what change in performance is required and how to best achieve this. Prototypes of scenarios, learning activities or a course outline can be developed and discussed at this stage. The Savvy Start is the idea-generating stage of the process. The project plan is developed. This is then followed by more rounds of design, prototyping and review until you are ready to move to development.
Stage 3: Iterative development phase
During this stage, several iterations of the course are developed. There are three groups of iterations:
- Alpha. It is fully functional but it is a rough version.
- Beta. It is an improved iteration of the initial version.
- Gold. This is the final version.
At this stage, the cycle repeats the steps: develop, implement and evaluate, sometimes returning to the design stage.
SAM provides lots of opportunities for stakeholders to test or review the product from the early stages and throughout the process. The course can be tweaked and fine-tuned, which is great for any changing needs or requirements that arise. SAM is a flexible adaptable approach, which encourages collaboration through sharing ideas, knowledge and insights. If you include learner feedback throughout the iterative process, SAM helps to ensure a learner-centred design.
Some drawbacks of the SAM model include the risk of scope creep and growing timelines. As your eLearning goes through several iterations, resulting in feedback and changes each time, it could easily grow beyond what was agreed at the start of the project. SAM requires strong project management to ensure the project stays within the agreed timeframes and scope. Delays might occur as several stakeholders will be involved in the review process, so there will be an additional challenge of keeping the project on track. The development of several iterations can be resource-intensive, time-consuming and costly.
ADDIE
ADDIE stands for the five stages of the process: analyse, design, develop, implement and evaluate. It is systematic and structured. Each stage is completed before moving to the next. ADDIE can also build in review stages, allowing some flexibility and opportunities for iterations based on stakeholder feedback.
Stage 1: Analyse
Gather information about the requirements of the course or training, such as who the learners are and what they need to be able to do or know by the end.
Stage 2: Design
During the design stage, you will storyboard the eLearning course. There will be opportunities for the stakeholders to review the design and several iterations of the storyboard can be developed.
Stage 3: Develop
Once the storyboard has been signed off, you move to develop the course. Again, stakeholders will be able to review the built course. Based on their feedback, the course can be improved. After a collaborative iterative process, the course will be signed off.
Remember, both the Design and Develop stages should use the information gathered during the Analyse stage.
Stage 4: Implement
At this stage, the course will be delivered, often on a learning management system (LMS). The learners’ activity might be tracked and their score on the assessment recorded. A pilot may be conducted to trial the course on a smaller group. Any issues that arise can then be addressed before launching the course.
Stage 5: Evaluate
During the final stage, gather feedback and data to improve future projects. This promotes quality assurance and helps organisations to see their return on investment.
Like SAM, ADDIE also caters for collaboration between the stakeholders throughout the development process, enabling the sharing of ideas, creativity and innovation. ADDIE is a systematic and well-organised approach, which can be efficient and cost-saving.
SAM and ADDIE design models, which is best for you?
If your project would benefit from rapid prototypes and lots of iterations, then SAM would be a more appropriate approach. While ADDIE, does allow for stakeholder feedback, it is more linear and there is less chance of scope creep or opportunity for change throughout the development process. With ADDIE, the initial stage of gathering and analysing data on the learners, their needs and requirements may be time- and resource-intensive, and add an additional layer of complexity. The level of collaboration may not be as high as the SAM model, which some stakeholders may require.
While SAM and ADDIE design models are both effective and widely used instructional design models, they both have merits and drawbacks for different types of eLearning project. SAM is cyclical and ADDIE is linear. While SAM is agile and iterative, ADDIE follows a waterfall approach, that is, the stages in the process occur sequentially. It’s important to note, however, that there are opportunities for the ADDIE model to be iterative too.
Which model you decide to go with will ultimately depend on the nature of your project and the requirements of your stakeholders.
In The Learning Rooms, we use the ADDIE approach. Along side strong project management, we ensure our eLearning projects stay on track and within the agreed timeframes. We build in opportunities to review the storyboard and the built course throughout so we can develop several improved versions. We always take on board client feedback throughout the process to develop the eLearning solution that best suits our clients’ and their learners’ needs.
