What Is Agile Instructional Design? Benefits and Examples

Meta Description: Is agile methodology applicable to instructional design? Read now to explore some exceptional benefits and examples of agile instructional design.

Digital.ai's 16th State of Agile report revealed that business leaders across industries use Agile methodology in business operations. The same approach can also be applied to instructional design.

Agile instructional design is an iterative and collaborative approach that makes learning more efficient and engaging. Considering the need for continuous learning in today's business landscapes, this design methodology can be quite effective. 

LinkedIn research found that by 2027, skills that people need to stay proficient in their jobs will change by 50%.

So, it's imperative to stay on top of your skills and professional development. You don't want your teams to be left behind as the industry evolves and job requirements change. Let's learn about Agile instructional design and its benefits for your organization.

What Is Agile Instructional Design?

Agile instructional design is a learner-centric approach to designing learning experiences. It stems from the 2001 Agile Manifesto adopted by software developers, based on 12 principles that allow iterative and continuous improvement.

In simple words, Agile is a system in which all stakeholders come together and work collaboratively towards a common goal: developing engaging and effective learning experiences. In instructional design, these stakeholders are:

• Course creators
• Learning and development professionals
• Subject matter experts
• Project managers
• Learners

One of the core values of this instructional design is a focus on interpersonal relations. Basically, the medium of instruction is mediated through relationships rather than passive learning experiences.

As for the learning material, it is professional, personal, and technical. Instead of letting the learners manage on their own, the instructional designers and subject matter experts (SMEs) provide support.

The Flow of Agile Learning Design

Agile learning design isn't a linear process. It's not as simple as creating a course and then delivering it to the learners.

In fact, the process is cyclical and iterative, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation based on learner feedback. It begins with a plan followed by orientation.

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Next comes course design. This is followed by a review or evaluation phase, and then the course is delivered to the learners. If there's an iteration (and there often is), the process goes to the design phase again.

After that, it goes through selection, prototyping, and review. If needed, a new plan may be created and orientated with the stakeholders before moving back into the design phase.

Examples of Agile Instructional Design

There's quite a lot of diversity in the interpretation and application of Agile learning design. Over the years, L&D experts have developed various models and frameworks to support the implementation of this approach.

Here are some examples.

Successive Approximation Model (SAM)

Allen Interactions devised the Successive Approximation Model (SAM) for its clients to overcome the limitations of traditional, linear instructional design models. The basis of this model is rapid prototyping, where a small prototype is created first, then reviewed and revised before moving forward. 

The process continues until the final product meets the stakeholders' satisfaction. SAM has three phases:

• Preparation: In this phase, you collect background information about your learners, such as their learning styles, skills needed, and existing knowledge. You also identify the delivery methods and experience design in a process called the ''savvy start.'' The results of this phase are rapid prototypes, such as unpolished storyboards.
• Iterative Design: The project managers set the timeline for the learning project and then start the design period. During this time, you create learning objectives, a course outline, and visual prototypes.
• Iterative Development: In this stage, the final solution is developed iteratively. There are three versions of the final solution: alpha (the first complete and fully functional version), beta (the modified version with errors removed), and gold version (the version that doesn't require any fixing).

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Key stakeholders and SMEs provide feedback at each iteration, which is incorporated into successive iterations to ensure quick improvements and corrections.

A.G.I.L.E

Conrad Gottfredson, a learning strategist, developed the AGILE approach to e-learning design in the mid-2000s. The acronym represents the five steps in the process.

• Align: In this phase, you identify the business needs and goals of the organization and align them with the learning objectives.
• Get Set: You then gather all relevant content and resources needed for the project, including subject matter experts, technology platforms, and delivery methods.
• Iterate and Implement: The third phase involves the design and development of the learning solution using an iterative approach.
• Leverage: You deploy the learning solution and gather feedback from learners and stakeholders to improve the final product.
• Evaluate: The learning material is evaluated to measure its effectiveness and make necessary improvements for future iterations.

Rapid Content Development (RCD)

Rapid Content Development (RCD) is an instructional design method that focuses on creating e-learning content quickly and efficiently. The process involves the use of rapid authoring tools, templates, and already-existing content to streamline the design and development process.

The crux of this model is its 4 Rs:

• Redesign: To redesign instructor-led training to online learning.
• Record: To save time for subject matter experts.
• Rebuild: To recreate legacy courses for microlearning.
• Republish: To republish legacy courses.

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The role of AI in corporate training facilitates rapid content development by automating tasks such as converting audio to text, creating PowerPoint presentations, creating quizzes and assessments, and generating personalized learning paths.

For example, Coursebox's AI-generated training videos can speed up the content development process. You can convert files and documents to videos in minutes, saving time and resources typically spent on video production. Since it supports over 60 languages, you can even create learning material for your remote employees in no time.

Similarly, Coursebox's AI curriculum generator helps you create a learning plan for your team in just 10 minutes. All you have to do is feed it videos, slide decks, and PDFs. It will then generate quizzes, assessments, written content, and assignments for each module. 

LLAMA

A lot like Agile management approach, commonly known as LLAMA, is another Agile learning design that Megan Torrance created for her company. Like other examples of Agile learning, LLAMA also emphasizes iteration.

Unlike the traditional ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) model, which has a linear process, LLAMA involves review and assessment along the way. As a result, the learning design can quickly adapt to changing business needs.

Benefits of Agile Instructional Design

The implementation of Agile learning design has several benefits for a business. Here are some of them:

• Fewer Revisions Required: Since stakeholders do not wait till the last step to evaluate the learning material, the revisions are made simultaneously with the development process. In the end, the course doesn't require any last-minute changes or edits.
• Learner-Centric: With an Agile approach, courses are created keeping learners in mind. The model prioritizes the needs of the learners, making the content more relevant and engaging.
• Immersive Course Content: As we've mentioned, AI can come into the picture to make the course content more immersive. For example, training videos can contain animations and visuals to keep learners hooked. Similarly, interactive elements like quizzes and simulations can make the course more engaging.
• Better Collaboration: The Agile approach prevents the formation of silos. It's not just the SMEs or the project managers who contribute to the learning design. The entire team, including designers and developers, works together to create an effective learning experience.
• Improved Feedback: The iteration process in Agile allows stakeholders to give feedback throughout the development process. Naturally, the final product meets expectations across the board. 

Challenges in Agile Instructional Design

The Agile approach has been around for over two decades, but organizations still face some challenges in its implementation. Here's how to resolve some common challenges.

Employees Reluctant to Change

Employees typically have an ''if it's not broken, don't fix it'' attitude when it comes to their work habits. They may be resistant to adopting a new model of instructional design since they are used to the traditional approach.

Solution: Provide ample training and education to the employees about Agile methodology. Explain how it can benefit them and make their work more efficient.

Lack of Proper Tools

The frequency of iterations in Agile requires the use of specific tools and software to manage tasks and track progress. However, organizations may not have these tools. The stakeholders may also not see any value in investing in them.

Solution: When implementing Agile learning, invest in the required tools after thorough research. For example, Coursebox can accelerate content development in the RCD model. Its AI functionality can automate training administrative tasks, such as curriculum design and video creation.

Difficulty in Collaborating

Depending on the size of your organization, it can be tricky to bring all teams on the same page. Since Agile doesn't follow the traditional top-down approach, every team member needs to be involved in the process.

Solution: Invest in an Agile-friendly collaboration tool that helps everyone stay organized and updated on the progress of each team.

Conclusion

There's no denying that the Agile approach to instructional design can help create learning material to bring your employee development plans to fruition. The continuous check and feedback system allows for the creation of courses that are not only relevant but also address your employees' unique needs and weaknesses.

Based on this methodology, you can make your employee training material more learner-centric so that it delivers the best results. Use the insights from above to avoid potential roadblocks and make the most out of your Agile instructional design process.