ADDIE is an instructional design model and widely used framework for the creation of courses and learning materials (UMGC, 2024a). ADDIE is an acronym representing the phases of this framework, which we will explore in below. ADDIE was created in 1975 at Florida State University by the Center for Educational Technology, where it was initially used by the United States Army but was adopted by other branches afterwards (Boogaard).
The "foundational" phase in the model (UMGC, 2024b). The designer will assess the problem/need, identify the audience and knowledge gaps, set the learning objectives. All of this helps to give proper direction for the course.
The phase where the designer will work to create a "blueprint for the learning experience" (UMGC, 2024c). Expanding the learning objectives, structuring the content, planning the assessments and identifying media are all things that can happen within this phase
This phase is where the "instructional materials are (actually) created" (UMGC, 2024d). The course content is created in this step using the blueprint from the design phase, if media is required it is created here as well. During this phase, documentation for instructors that will use this course and pilot testing are completed occur.
The phase where the "instruction materials are put into action" (UMGC, 2025e). This phase sees the instructors teach the course you have built. Depending on the method of delivery, the instructor might be in the classroom or in a virtual environment but can provide support. Feedback is important for this phase, as well as the assessments created.
The final phase of ADDIE, it "helps assess the effectiveness" (UMGC, 2025f). By completing assessments throughout and after the course (formative and summative) and analyzing data, the course can be evaluated for it's effectiveness and success. This can produce a feedback loop to reform the course and create beneficial updates.
By following the ADDIE model, instructional designers have a clear pathway to creating thoughtful and inclusive learning environments and experiences. The model creates a circle where by simply completing it you can find yourself back at the analysis phase to continue to make your experience more inclusive to more students. It gives the designer the ability to really tackle any topic they find a learning gap in and gives them the tools to design the best course.
The ADDIE model is a feedback loop, so the course will have the potential to address issues that might arise and become more inclusive and more encompassing as it continues to be taught. It is highly structures and provides 5 phases and 19 steps for instructional designers to follow if they become lost or need direction (Boogaard). ADDIE also focuses on the learning objective, doing everything to focus on this and make sure all content is related. All of these strengths are important for my minicourse. With my audience being student government officers in a community college, I will have an incredibly limited time with them to train them in their positions and leadership skills. Having a structured approach to follow will help to get the course off the ground and going for me, without structure I wouldn't know where to begin. Having the 19 steps will help to guide any inexperience. This being a feedback loop will be amazing to update the training each year as times change and students change. Additionally, over time, there might be able to be multiple approaches developed based on the experience levels. An officer group that is largely reelected won't need the same brand new training as newly elected officers.
The ADDIE model is not perfect though. It can be time consuming and resource intensive. The phases and steps also create a potential rigidity (though there is flexibility baked into the phases too). These are the big limitations I foresee with my minicourse. With the community college timeline, the time needed for the analysis, design, and development phase to their full extents may not always be possible (within the working hours). Evaluation at the end has the same issue, there may not be enough time. As a one man show for this, getting accurate date and being able to analyze it all then revise, well there likely isn't enough time in the workday.
References:
Boogaard, K. (n.d.). The ADDIE model: A beginner’s guide. GoSkills.com. https://www.goskills.com/Resources/ADDIE-model
UMGC. (2024a). Overview of ADDIE model.
UMGC. (2024b). The analysis phase.
UMGC. (2024c). The design phase.
UMGC. (2024d). The development phase.
UMGC. (2024e). The evaluation phase.
UMGC. (2024f). The implementation phase.
UMGC. (2024g). Strengths and limitations of ADDIE.