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

Les employés adoptent généralement une attitude « si ce n'est pas cassé, ne le réparez pas » lorsqu'il s'agit de leurs habitudes de travail. Ils peuvent être réticents à adopter un nouveau modèle de conception pédagogique puisqu'ils sont habitués à l'approche traditionnelle.

Solution : Offrez une formation et une éducation complètes aux employés sur la méthodologie Agile. Expliquez en quoi cela peut leur être bénéfique et rendre leur travail plus efficace.

Manque d'outils appropriés

La fréquence des itérations en mode Agile nécessite l'utilisation d'outils et de logiciels spécifiques pour gérer les tâches et suivre les progrès. Cependant, les organisations ne disposent peut-être pas de ces outils. Les parties prenantes peuvent également ne pas voir l'intérêt d'investir dans ces entreprises.

Solution : Lors de la mise en œuvre de l'apprentissage Agile, investissez dans les outils nécessaires après des recherches approfondies. Par exemple, Coursebox peut accélérer le développement de contenu dans le modèle RCD. Sa fonctionnalité d'IA peut automatiser les tâches administratives de formation, tels que la conception de programmes et la création de vidéos.

Difficulté à collaborer

Selon la taille de votre organisation, il peut être difficile de mettre toutes les équipes sur la même longueur d'onde. Comme Agile ne suit pas l'approche descendante traditionnelle, chaque membre de l'équipe doit être impliqué dans le processus.

Solution : Investissez dans un outil de collaboration agile qui aide tout le monde à rester organisé et informé des progrès de chaque équipe.

Conclusion

Il est indéniable que l'approche Agile de la conception pédagogique peut vous aider à créer du matériel d'apprentissage qui vous permettra de plans de développement des employés jusqu'à la concrétisation. Le système de contrôle et de feedback continus permet de créer des cours qui sont non seulement pertinents, mais qui répondent également aux besoins et aux faiblesses uniques de vos employés.

Sur la base de cette méthodologie, vous pouvez rendre le matériel de formation de vos employés plus centré sur l'apprenant afin qu'il donne les meilleurs résultats. Utilisez les informations ci-dessus pour éviter les obstacles potentiels et tirer le meilleur parti de votre processus de conception pédagogique Agile.