Instructional Design Essay Example

of models: process and structural. The Dick and Carey model falls under the category of process models while Gagne’s model is a structural one. In a process model, the focus is on defining the steps for creating instruction, whereas in a structural model, the emphasis is on identifying the components necessary for planning instruction for learners. The initial step in the Dick and Carey model involves defining instructional goals while Gagne’s model starts by gaining learners’ attention.

Attention and understanding of instructional goals are both important for starting the planning process, but in different ways depending on the model used. The Dick and Carey model includes a step for revising instruction, which is absent from the Gagne’ model. The Gagne’ model includes a step for activating short term memory to link new information to prior knowledge while the Dick and Carey model looks at entry behaviors without specific regard to short term memory. The Gagne’ model features skill practice and feedback, whereas the Dick and Carey model does not have a feedback step in the flow chart, but includes revision opportunities and formative/summative evaluations. The Dick and Carey model involves some bouncing between steps, while the Gagne’ model is a more continuous flow of steps.

Today, the impact of Dick and Carey and Gagne on instructional design is significant. Gagne's nine instructional events provide the optimal conditions for learning and recognize the role of technology in the learning process. As a leading researcher and contributor to systematic training, Gagne's ideas can also be applied effectively to e-learning (Kruse, 2001).

Gagne, a behaviorist, identifies nine steps for successfully completing an e-learning task. His training focuses on achieving desired outcomes

or behaviors (Kruse, 2001). The positive impact of his work demonstrates how an event can boost an individual's cognitive processes. His book, The Conditions of Learning, published in 1965, identifies the mental conditions necessary for learning (Kruse, 2001).

Robert Gagne and Dick and Chaney have made significant contributions to instructional design, influencing the field in positive ways. By following Gagne’s ideas, one can produce a well-informed research paper, while educators can present the material effectively to help students learn positively. Both educators have developed a nine-stage process for achieving success in instructional design and education. Overall, their renowned work has greatly impacted the field of instructional design.

The educators serve as role models for those who aspire to excel in teaching and create a classroom environment where students can gain significant knowledge. (Gagne, R. (1985). Conditions of Learning. Retrieved October 30, 2008 from http://tip.)

The website psychology.org has a page called "gagne.html" as cited by Kevin Kruse in 2001.The article "An Introduction to Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction" can be found at http://www.e-learningguru.com/articles/art3_3 and was accessed on October 30, 2008.

Lee, Hee-Sun and Lee, Soo-Young (1996) retrieved information regarding the Dick and Carey Model from http://www on October 30, 2008.

Moallem, M. (2001). umich.edu/~ed626/Dick_Carey/dc.html.

Utilizing Constructivist and Objectivist Learning Theories for the Development of a Web-based Course: Consequences of Implementation. Southern Polytechnic's Educational Technology & Society, Volume 4 Issue 3. Focus on Learning Theories and Instructional Design.

The web address www.spsu.edu/htc/hughes/papers/interface.htm was accessed on November 1, 2008. The information was contained within a paragraph tag.