Methods and Models Ballard Education LLC applies an appropriate mix of industry standard and proprietary methods, models and techniques to the delivery of education services and solutions (please see additional detail below). These methods and models are used within the larger context of integrated project management. Our rigorous project management approach is guided by the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) produced by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The Big Picture - the ADDIE Model The ADDIE model is the generic, high-level process widely used for instructional design and development. The five phases — Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation — represent a dynamic, flexible framework for building effective training and performance support tools. It is an Instructional Systems Design (ISD) model. Most of the current instructional design models are spin-offs or variations of the ADDIE model. The majority of activities involved in the delivery of Ballard Education's services and solutions can be mapped to the phases in ADDIE. As detailed below, the specific processes and methods we use vary depending upon the type and scope of the project. The graphic below depicts the phases of the ADDIE process. The Specifics - the Dick and Carey Model Ballard Education uses the Dick and Carey model as the starting point for development of a project-specific method. It represents a comprehensive and systematic approach for developing education. It can be applied at a variety of levels (curriculum, program, course, unit). The Dick and Carey model follows the 5 basic phases of the ADDIE model - analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation, but provides more detail and guidance than other models. Because of its comprehensiveness, the Dick and Carey model can be difficult to apply in its entirety in a real world education project. We take the Dick and Carey Model as a starting point, then tailor it to the scope, complexity and constraints of a specific project. The resulting project plan and required deliverables represent an optimal balance between the benefits of rigorous approach and the specific context and constraints of engagement. As the project progresses, we iteratively evauate progress and make any changes necessary to ensure that business objectives are met. We apply Blooms Taxonomy and Kirkpatrick's Evaluation Model (and derivatives) to the identification of performance objectives and design of evaluation strategies. The graphic below depicts the phases of the Dick and Carey model. Blended Learning Design Based on our experience, the design of blended, virtual education curricula and programs is not adequately covered by commonly used instructional design methods and models. Ballard Education has defined additional techniques and models to support the development of new blended virtual education as well as conversion of existing classroom education to virtual delivery using the right blend of delivery modes and media. Key assumptions supporting our approach include: It's all about the blend! In the context of blended learning, individual activities (live virtual classroom, self-managed elearning, exercises, quizzes, etc.) should not be the core design construct. A larger package of multiple activities are the key building blocks of programs / courses - we call them learning units. During the design process, standard learning unit types are defined to address different types of content, audiences, mastery levels, need for interaction, etc.. Education programs can then be flexibly assembled using an appropriate combination of learning units. In many cases, learning units are designed to mirror existing chunking of content and activities in classroom courses - don't assume that you need to start from scratch to develop a blended, virtually delivered program. See the graphic below for an example of a learning unit design for in-depth content mastery. For additional information on this approach to blended learning, please contact us.