Instructional Design FOR MILITARY Courses

Instructional Design Models

ADDIE

The Addie Model standards for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Analysis, and Evaluation. ADDIE is also refered to as Instructional Design System (IDS) and traces its roots to post-World War II research for identifying effective, manageable methods for military training programs. "The ADDIE concept was created in 1975 by the Center for Educational Technology at Florida State University for the U.S. Army. Shortly after its inception, the ADDIE training model was adapted by the U.S. Armed Forces" (Branson et al., 1975).

Addie Model (Army University, 2023)

Rapid Prototype Model. 2023

Rapid Prototyping

In addition to the ADDIE model, Rapid Prototyping is a popular method used. Generally, the research is conducted (analysis) and evaluation is conducted simultaneously throughout the process. The Rapid model is non-linear (unlike the ADDIE model) and therefore more flexible. Different stages can be overlapping (Wikieducator, 2023). This model can be used when creating courses throughout different stages.

For example, rapidly building a course during a time of crisis. The Instructional Design may be designing, prototyping, and reviewing the content while conducting evaluation and making in-course corrections. This is also a common model for businesses to use.

CASE STUDY: ADDIE In-residence vs. Rapid Prototyping Online

USAFSAM Course Conversion During the Pandemic

During the pandemic, the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) converted two in-residence courses, the Basic Leadership Airman Skills Training (BLAST) course and Basic Instructor Course (BIC), and rapidly converted them into online courses during a period of crisis (pandemic). Qualitative data (such as evaluation forms and feedback) were used to determine the success of the course conversion. There were some statistical differences, but the outcomes were similar and did not require a differentiation of which method was superior. Students reported that they felt they were successful and able to perform duties learned whether in-residence or online. "Instructors observed the online environment to be engaging, adaptable, and aided in the reduction of traditional in-person challenges. The positive attributes gained by online delivery, potential cost savings, and the initial findings regarding student evaluations suggest virtual courses may be beneficial to educating Airmen, while continuing to attain outcomes similar to traditional, in-person offerings (Hernandez et al., 2022)."

In summation, integration of both methods had results that were in-line with the goals and needs of the U.S. Air Force.

Use of Online Training in Military Courses

The above example gives an idea of the direction of instrutional design within military training. Both the ADDIE model and Rapid Prototyping can be used to support the educational goals of the organization. ADDIE is the more traditionally based, military used model for in-residence courses. An After Action Review (AAR) of lessons learned from times of crisis for military education shows that in-residence courses can be converted to online courses with similar outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Fast, efficient, cost-saving solutions that will educate soldiers is an asset to U.S. defense. Soldiers who are well-versed in their area of expertise will be able to combat the enemy more efficiently with life and equipment saving practices. Both the ADDIE and RAPID model can help structure courses to educate soldiers.

References

Army University. (2023). Instructional design division. Armyuniversity.edu. https://armyuniversity.edu/Organizations/IDesign

Branson, R. K., Raynor, G. T., Cox, J. L., Furman, J. P., King, F. J., & Hannum, W. H. (1975). Interservice procedures for instructional design systems. https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a019486.pdf

Hernandez, S., Dukes, S., Howarth, V. E., Nipper, J. M., & Lazarus, M. M. (2022). Examination of military student and faculty opinions and outcomes of two rapid course conversions to the online environment: A case study at the united states air force school of aerospace medicine. American Journal of Distance Education, 36(4), 318–326. https://doi.org/10.1080/08923647.2022.2121518

USAF. (2023). U.S. air force school of aerospace medicine. Www.afrl.af.mil. https://www.afrl.af.mil/711HPW/USAFSAM/

Wikieducator. (2023). VirtualMV/Digital learning technologies/pedagogies/instructional design models. In WikiEducator/VirtualMV’s ( Michael Verhaart ) Wiki. https://wikieducator.org/VirtualMV/Digital_Learning_Technologies/Pedagogies/Instructional_Design_Models

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