Deconstruct Dick and Carey’s systems approach
Define a ‘systems
approach’ to instructional design.
A systematic process identifies all the components and their
relationships, to produce a particular outcome. Virginia Tech (2003) describes
a systematic process as being methodical and step-by-step, as well as “an
interdependent group of items that form a unified whole”. In a systematic
process of instruction, the components would include learners, material,
delivery, instructors and feedback or assessments, all contributing to a
specific learning outcome. These are all presented by Dick and Carey in a model
which shows the relationship between the components as well as the steps to be followed
to achieve the outcomes.
What are the
strengths and weaknesses of adopting a systems approach to instructional
design?
Having all the components interdependent can be a strength
and a weakness. As Siemens (2002) points out, only one component has to change,
to change the entire system, so if one element is changed, it will lead to
changes in every step. For example, if the learning environment moves from the
classroom to the workplace, the strategies and materials will have to be
altered. It may be that some of the work
may need slight adaptions, or the entire process may have to be redone.
Dick, Carey and Carey (2005) start their process with
objectives. They can then measure in the end if they have met their target(s). Siemens
describes the process as translating principles of learning into plans,
focusing on the “most effective way to present content”, that learning, not
technology, is the focus. Devilee (n.d.) also sees this strength, where the process
can help identify the “right technology to support good pedagogy”. Following
the process, where all the components are linked should ensure that nothing is
missed out when an event is being planned. The focus is on the outcomes. Dick,
Carey and Carey (2005) describe their process as flexible,adaptable and can
be accessed and updated at any point. They say there is not much research on
the success of a systematic process, however since it has been applied since 1975
in variations of the same model (Addie) that would suggest many instructional designers
find it satisfactory.
Devilee, A (n.d.) Instructional
design Australia. Accessed online 19 June 2013
Dick,W., Carey, L. & Carey, J. (2005) The systematic design of instruction, 5th
edn, Harper Collins : New York.
Siemens, G. (2002) Instructional design in Elearning. Elearnspace. Accessed online 8 July 2013
Tsapatsoulis, N. (2004) Analysis and design of distance
learning systems: Instructional design models. University of Cyprus accessed
online 7 July 2013
Virginia Tech (2003) Lesson 1 – overview of design. Accessed
online 8 July 2013.
http://www.itma.vt.edu/modules/spring03/instrdes/lesson1.htm
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