A personal soap box that I seem to be repeatedly climbing upon is the instructional value of using the ADDIE process. The ADDIE process is the basis for most, if not all, instructional design models (though not all instructional designers would agree with that – I believe it to be true). ADDIE stands for Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement and Evaluate. These core tasks involved in designing effective instruction can be taught to others directly or as part of a larger or less related curriculum. In the text, “Games and Simulations in Online Learning” Chapter 10 page 208 the authors talk about teacher work sample methodology (TWSM) which to me appears to be another example of the ADDIE process applied to instruction.
The comment by the authors of Chapter 10 say “successful simulations as needing either high fidelity with the real world and low pedagogical guidance or low fidelity and highest levels of pedagogical guidance” (page 214). This quote brings to mind the question of transfer; environments which display “high fidelity” to the real world are supposed to produce better transfer results (Clark and Mayer, 2003). This Is the question that I wonder whether Aldrich addresses and I intend to read the article and/or his books on the subject. In chapter 10 the Cook School District simulation experience was a good read because it demonstrated the thought process and design process behind an educational simulation
I found Clark Aldrich’s article “Six Criteria of an Educational Simulation” to be a strong framework upon which to build ideas about simulation in education. The synthesis of content areas; linear, systems, cyclical and leadership, with elements; simulation, game and pedagogical, has the potential for very powerful virtual experiences for both educators and students. Clark says “as we understand pedagogy and linear content, we first mourn that they have become so dominant, but then realize how powerful they are in concert.” (Aldrich, 2004).As I was reading this article is suddenly struck me that I have used this framework myself while contemplating the implications of virtual worlds for higher education; weaving learning theory and game theory to create a tapestry which hopefully becomes a beautiful simulation. Clark provides a strong model which I will lean on as I propose a simulation. I’ve pondered over this reading and found that I am applying my perspective as an instructional designer writing a grant proposal. I am using the ADDIE process to analyze my learners, my environment and my content to write a clear and concise proposal. The required review of the literature needs to be organized in a way that covers the elements that Clark Aldrich is talking about; games, simulations and pedagogy. I anticipate referring to these ideas on content as I develop the task analysis and instructional strategies which will part of the modules I write.
Works Cited:
Aldrich, C. (2004). “Six Criteria of an Educational Simulation” http://www.learningcircuits.org/NR/rdonlyres/F2ED000A-7A59-4108-A6CB-1BE4F4CC1CA5/4719/clark_e2.pdf
Gibson, D., Aldrich, C., Prensky, M. (2007). Games and Simulations in Online Learning. Research and Development Frameworks. Hershey, PA: Information Science Publishing.
Clark, R. and Mayer, R. (2003). E-Learning and the Science of Instruction. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.
