Model of the Instructional Systems Design

The idea of a model of the instructional systems design (to be referred to as ISD) when developing course designs is instrumental in its implementation. Such as a scientific method each step defines proper course development. The steps are as follows.

Analysis-Design-Development-Implementation-Evaluation with a recap on each step which I like to think of as thoroughness.

Each step truly allows the designer to construct a course that has each element to make for a productive learning environment for the student and the facilitator (instructor/professor).

"If -as is sometimes suggested-the behavior of a successful student in a given subject truly cannot be described, then indeed it would be difficult to specify a learning objective, but then it is equally impossible to construct a teaching program when it is not known what it is that one is trying to teach!"(Moore Kearsley p102).

Personally I had to read this statement multiple times for it to soak in. And it is really a statement that holds a large amount of weight. To me it means, if we look at learning as a point A to point B concept, what does the travel look like? What do their methods look like? What is the vehicle that could best get them from destination to destination. If there is no answer, then the whole course needs to be reevaluated. If you cannot explain how they are to accomplish the knowledge then it is impossible for the course to continue.

With that being said, still using the analogy of point A and point B, there is always more than one method of travel. Students can accomplish the same goal multiple ways. Not everyone achieves learning goals the same way. It can be broken down as simply as follows, a visual learner vs. someone who prefers to research the topic then approach proving proficiency. These are two rough examples of two different learning styles. So just thinking of what one example to achieving proficiency in a topic (i.e. learning) isn't enough to discredit or allow a program to continue or cease.


Moore, M. G., & Kearsley, G. (2005). Distance Education: A Systems View of Online Learning. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. (Second Edition) .