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Start of Instructional Design Models
During the early to mid-60s, new concepts such as task analysis and criterion-referenced testing were brought together to form a model for instructional materials. Gagne (pictured here) along with Glaser, Silver and Barson were among the first people to describe and design this model. Instructional design (or “systematic instruction”) was born. -
Increased Interest in the Systems Approach
During the 70s, the instructional design models gained popularity, so much so that many people took an interest in creating new models for methodically designing instruction. The US military began using these instructional design ideas in 1975 for training purposes. Graduate school programs, businesses and other organizations also adopted the instructional design principles. -
Instructional Design and the Emergence of Computers
During the 80s, evidence suggested that instructional design had little impact in public schools and universities. The principles of cognitive psychology were then integrated into the instructional design process (results were limited). However, burgeoned interested in personal computers for teaching practices had a major impact on instructional design. This led to computer-based instruction and the automation of instructional design tasks with the help of computers. -
The Importance of Human Performance Recognized
During the 90s, the human performance improvement field emerged. This field focused on job performance (as opposed to learning), business outcomes, and solutions to performance problems that did not involve instruction. This greatly widened the scope of instructional design. Other influences on instructional design during this time included, constructivist emphasis--real (or "authentic") learning tasks and the use of computers to enhance human performance. -
A New Era: eLearning and Informal learning
Entering into the 2000s, the Internet has had a major effect on instruction to learners. Online learning has taken place in the military, higher education, etc. causing instructional designers to play an even bigger role in creating these courses. There has also been an increase in informal learning through online forums, social media sites, etc. As informal learning increases, instructional designers will have to create, apply, and support these alternate means of obtaining information.
