AI-generated with assistance from ChatGPT (OpenAI), 2025.

Overview of the Dick & Carey Model

These four components drive the system-based steps of the Dick and Carey model and inform every instructional decision.

Learning Environment:
Considers where learning happens—physically or virtually—and what is accessible (UMGC 2024; Chaparro et al. 2023)

Content:
Considers the topic and how it influences learners and teaching methods (World of Work Project n.d.; Patty’s Think Pad 2011)

Learner Profile:
Considers what learners know, how they learn, and the support they need (Lewis 2021; Chaparro et al. 2023)

Instructional Approach:
Considers how learning happens using tools like media, group work, or assessments (UMGC 2024; Chaparro et al. 2023)

Bernard, L. (2025). Key Drivers of the Dick and Carey Model [Infographic]. Canva.

REFERENCES

Chaparro, R., Reaves, M., Jagger, C. B., & Bunch, J. C. (2023, April 17). Instructional design using the Dick and Carey systems approach (Publication #AEC632). University of Florida. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/WC294

Lewis, D. (2021, August 19). An overview of the Dick and Carey model [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv1zx9t3j-Q

Patty’s Think Pad. (2011, December 20). The Dick & Carey model presentation [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuApKPrQA4A

The World of Work Project. (n.d.). The Dick and Carey instructional design model. https://worldofwork.io/2019/08/dick-carey-instructional-design-model/

University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Overview of Dick and Carey. Brightspace.

University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Steps in the Dick and Carey model. Brightspace.
AI and Design Tools:

Canva was used to create infographics.
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations with prompts such as "Please review this for clarity and organization and give me feedback on what I should revise."

The Dick & Carey Instructional Design Itinerary An illustrated “road trip” flowchart titled “The Dick & Carey Instructional Design Itinerary – 10 Stops on the Road to Effective Instruction.” A looping black line with numbered stops and directional arrows weaves down the page; green sidebars labeled “Rerouting” appear at two reroute points. Each stop is in its own box with a colored icon, number, heading, question, and brief explanation: Set the Destination (map-pin icon): Where are learners going? Set a clear, real-world goal based on what learners need to be able to do. Know Your Passengers & Terrain (person icon): What skills does the learner need? Using Bloom’s domains, determine what they must know and do. Know Your Passengers’ Current Location (car icon): Where are learners starting from? Identify their knowledge, abilities, motivation, and needed support. Choose the Landmarks (flag icon): What checkpoints show progress? Develop clear, real-world objectives. Confirm the Landmarks (trophy icon): What shows learners are on the right track? Design assessments to check progress and confirm key checkpoints. Plan the Itinerary (itinerary icon): What’s the best route? Determine how content will be taught and how learners stay engaged. Pack the Right Tools (toolbox icon): What supplies are needed? Select or design materials aligned to objectives. Check the Map & Adjust the Route (check-map icon): Are learners headed in the right direction? Quickly assess during learning and adjust as needed. Reflect on the Journey (backpack icon): Did learners reach the destination? Review how well they reached goals and what route segments need fine-tuning. Update the Map (map icon): How will future journeys improve? Use insights from this trip to revise design for future experiences. A color bar at the bottom maps each stop to ADDIE phases (Analysis in red, Design in gold, Development in orange, Implementation in green, Evaluation in dark green). A footer credits Bernard, L. (2025) and notes Canva.

Bernard, L. (2025). The Dick & Carey Instructional Design Itinerary [Infographic]. Canva.

REFERENCES

Dick, W., Carey, L., & Carey, J. O. (2015). The systematic design of instruction (8th ed.). Pearson.

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). (2024). Instructional design and learning theory course materials. https://www.umgc.edu

Chaparro, E. A., Swanlund, A., Baker, K., & Towne, L. (2023). Exploring instructional design models and theories. Instructional Design Central. https://www.instructionaldesigncentral.com

Bloom, B. S. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals. Longmans, Green.
AI and Design Tools:

Canva was used to create infographics.
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations with prompts such as "Please review this for clarity and organization and give me feedback on what I should revise."

Dick & Carey Model Implications A smartphone-screen graphic displaying a simplified map with route lines sits at the top-right of a white background titled “DICK & CAREY MODEL IMPLICATIONS – Practical Implications of the Dick and Carey Model for Instructional Design.” Four bullet points, each with a magnifying-glass icon and label, are arranged around the map: Learning Objectives: “Start with the destination and the learner.” Explanation: Objectives reflect both the destination and who is driving, considering where learners start and what kind of thinking, feeling, or doing they need to reach the goal. Instructional Design: “Design the route before choosing the materials.” Explanation: Design breaks goals into steps and skills; materials are selected to support the structure, not lead it. Evaluation: “Check the map as you go.” Explanation: Assessment happens throughout development and implementation to ensure clarity and impact while instruction is in motion. Cyclical Improvement: “There is always another version of the route.” Explanation: Instructional design is a living process—each version reveals insights that inform the next design. A winding road graphic runs along the bottom left, visually tying the points together.

REFERENCES

Lewis, D. (2021, August 19). An overview of the Dick and Carey model [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv1zx9t3j-Q

Patty’s Think Pad. (2011, December 20). The Dick & Carey model presentation [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuApKPrQA4A

The World of Work Project. (n.d.). The Dick and Carey instructional design model. https://worldofwork.io/2019/08/dick-carey-instructional-design-model/

University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Overview of Dick and Carey. Brightspace.

University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Steps in the Dick and Carey model. Brightspace.

University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Strengths and limitations of Dick and Carey. Brightspace.
AI and Design Tools:

Canva was used to create infographics.
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations with prompts such as "Please review this for clarity and organization and give me feedback on what I should revise."

💪🏽 Strengths of the Dick & carey model

🎯 Clear objectives from the start
The model begins by identifying what learners need to be able to do. That fits my course. Teachers need to walk away with a standards-aligned project-based unit. Starting with the goal keeps everything focused.

🧩 Alignment across goals, instruction, and assessment
Each step builds logically. That helps me keep the objectives, instruction, and assessment connected—just like I want teachers to do in their own classrooms.

🔁 Feedback is built into the process
Formative evaluation is part of the model. I can test course materials early, gather feedback, and improve them before full delivery.

⚠️ LIMITATIONS of the Dick & carey model

⏳ The process can be slow
With ten distinct steps, working through the model takes time. I’ve learned to combine steps and simplify where needed to stay on track.

🔄 Less flexible for iterative work
The steps are laid out in sequence, but project-based learning design is more fluid. I often adjust plans while building and implementing. I treat some steps as recurring rather than linear.

📦 Assumes structured delivery
The model works well for instructor-led environments. My minicourse needs to support independent learners. I’ve added extra support, examples, and guidance to make that possible.

REFERENCES

Lewis, D. (2021, August 19). An overview of the Dick and Carey model [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv1zx9t3j-Q

Patty’s Think Pad. (2011, December 20). The Dick & Carey model presentation [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuApKPrQA4A

The World of Work Project. (n.d.). The Dick and Carey instructional design model. https://worldofwork.io/2019/08/dick-carey-instructional-design-model/

University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Overview of Dick and Carey. Brightspace.

University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Steps in the Dick and Carey model. Brightspace.

University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Strengths and limitations of Dick and Carey. Brightspace.
AI and Design Tools:

Canva was used to create infographics.
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations with prompts such as "Please review this for clarity and organization and give me feedback on what I should revise."

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