Unit 6: Successive Approximation Model (SAM)
The SAM model, or Successive Approximation Model, is an iterative and cyclical approach to instructional design. Created by Michael Allen, a pioneer in the e-learning industry for fifty years, it focuses on progress over perfection.
While similar to the ADDIE model, it rearranges the phases into short iterations, prioritizing tighter timelines and addressing roadblocks like quality and budgets. It has been designed for the fast-paced modern world of eLearning.
Designing through rapid prototyping, it involves a constant collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs) and other stakeholders during the design process, while making continuous adjustments based on feedback.
Three key iterative phases:
- Preparation: Gather information about the learning problem, learners, context, and performance goals, define clear learning objectives, and select SMEs.
- Iterative Design : Generate ideas, create and test prototypes of learning solutions and collect feedback from SMEs, learners and stakeholders.
- Iterative Development: implement the design, assess feedback and make adjustments until target measures of performance are achieved.
Allen Interactions
For more information, check out Michael Allen's website, the creator of SAM, to learn more about this agile method to design "Meaningful, Memorable and Motivational learning experiences."
Implications & Limitations
The key implications of the SAM model are in the iterative and agile approach to design, encouraging rapid prototyping, continuous feedback, and close collaboration with stakeholders, leading to more flexible and adaptable learning materials that closely align with user needs throughout the development process.
While focusing on adaptability and continuous improvement, the SAM model can be resource-intensive both in time and money. Designed to timely and efficient, the continual adaptation with multiple stakeholder involvement can lead to extended project timelines which can also be costly. To be effective and efficient this model requires proficient project management, leadership skills, and SME collaboration.
Since I am designing my minicourse for a small targeted audience, this method may not function well for my design purposes, and would require more stakeholder input that I do not have, as I am not working with a team. My design would be more simplified using my attained knowledge, resources and learner feedback for adjustments as needed. However, the basic idea of this model - design, evaluate & adjust - are common steps in many design models.