The University of the West Indies

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EDID 6503-Instructional Design, Models & Strategies

Assignment 2 – Wikipedia Post

Name: Tracy Charles

ID No.: 320085169
Lecturer: Ms. Camille Dickson-Deane
modonnacharles36@gmail.com

https://tracycharles.wixsite.com/tracy-s-website

Table of Contents
 I. Reflection Paper ..…………………………………………………………….. 3

II. Link to Wikipedia Article ……………………………………………………..4

III. Article Submitted to Wikipedia: …………………………………………….. 4

Successive Approximation Model

Description ……………………………………………………………………. 4

Illustration …………………………………………………………………….. 6

History …………………………………………………………………………. 8

Application …………………………………………………………………….. 8

References ……………………………………………………………………. 9

Reflection

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Firstly, I approached this assignment with great enthusiasm. However, this changed quickly into

a challenge. Finding a theory or theorist without a Wikipedia post was very difficult for me. In

addition, publishing the article on Wikipedia was very problematic for me.

Researching about the SAM model that I had chosen was quite interesting and I developed a

great appreciation for the work done by the theorist.

Using Wikipedia presented a greatest challenge than I have anticipated. I had little to no idea

about composing valid and reliable information that meets Wikipedia standards. After reviewing

several sources provided by Wikipedia, I was a bit skeptical about composing the post. Finding

reliable sources required deeper investigation, some of which were not readily available.

Unfortunately, t encountered some level of difficulties in uploading the image for the illustration

on Wikipedia; however, a link was placed instead.

In a nutshell, my overall experience with this assignment was very challenging, yet informative.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:SAM%27s_Model_for_Instructional_Design

Succession Approximation Model – SAM

Description

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The Successive Approximation Model (SAM) is an instructional design approach that consists of

repeated iterations (Allen & Sites 2012). The basis of this agile approach is to create a

continuous cycle of feedback and evaluation throughout the course design process, to facilitate

the resolution of problems and identification of opportunities that may arise during the early

stages of development. There is also a collaboration between the instructional designers and the

consumer. It ensures that each consumer is knowledgeable about the required process and is

provided with feedback on their progression. In addition, this model breaks the process of

designing and developing a learning experience down into three repeated steps: evaluate, design,

and develop.

To cater to all types of projects, from small online courses to diverse curricula, SAM presents

two variations of its process: SAM 1, which is the basic version, and SAM 2, which is the

extended version. The building blocks of SAM 1 are:

 Evaluate

 Design

 Develop

In SAM 1, a course designer repeatedly cycles through the three blocks in order to improve the

result. More so, it is perfect for most online courses and instructional projects created by a single

individual or a small team.

On the other hand, SAM 2 caters to a more extended process that involves three phases with
separate stages.

 The Preparation Phase focuses on gathering information and a prototyping meeting called
Savvy Start

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  The Iterative Design Phase focuses on project planning and additional design

 The Iterative Development Phase focuses on proofing the design as well as three stages
of releasing the finished course: Alpha, Beta, and Gold. Alpha is the first imperfect
iteration of the course. Beta is the stage in which all the errors and omissions are
corrected, while the Gold stage is the final stage that is implemented.

Like SAM 1, SAM 2 also requires constant feedback. However, SAM 2 is more suited for
complex projects, with multiple stages of approval and many stakeholders involved.

All in all the main benefits of SAM are fast and efficient delivery and rapid improvements.
The idea is that, over time, real-world feedback helps to improve the overall learning
experience after careful but time-consuming planning.

Illustration

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Successive Approximation Model: SAM 2 Source: Allen and Sites (2012)

Steps of SAM

Step 1: Evaluate

While SAM 2 starts with the Preparation phase, SAM 1 only has the evaluation step. The preparation

stage is skipped. However, the central idea behind the evaluation stage is to approach an existing course

or prototype with real-world feedback. This phase helps an individual to understand the strengths and

weaknesses of the material so that the next version can be planned adequately, thus making it the best

every time.

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Step 2: Design

Every time the evaluation step is completed, enough feedback is provided to update the design

direction. The goal of this step is to incorporate a new design direction into an existing instructional

component in different ways.

Step 3: Develop

During this phase, the prototype is completed and ready to be implemented for production. The

outcome of this phase is to have new ideas, comments, and suggestions to go back to restart the cycle

again

History

The Successive Approximation Model is derived from the ADDIE model. It was first introduced in

2012 by Dr. Michael Allen, CEO of Allen Interactions. The model offers small repeated steps of

iterations that address the common challenges of rigidity, time, linearity, and stability when using

ADDIE 9Allen, 2012; E-LEARNING, 2014; Allen Interactions; Allen Interactions 2016)

Application

The three phases of the SAM’s model are efficiently used in the learning process to design

instruction. This involves many interested parties to develop the material. It is also used to

collect background information on the learners. The strengths and weaknesses of the learners are

examined and an overall goal is established. On the other hand, the iterative design phase moves

the project to the next level by narrowing down the subject. This phase is administered

immediately after the first phase and consist of an established project timeline, budgets and task

to be completed. After the designers agreed upon the design, the course/project moves into a

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constant development, implementation, and evaluation loop. It is essential within this phase to

develop smaller chunks of the completed project to ensure feedback.

References

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Allen Interactions (2012). Leaving ADDIE for SAM: An Agile Model for Developing the Best

Learning Experiences. Alexandria, VA: ASTD Press. Allen Interactions (2016). Iterative e-

Learning Development with SAM. Agile e-Learning Process. Retrieved on July 7, 2017,

from, http://www.alleninteractions.com/sam-process 

Allen, W. Michael & Sites, Richard. “Leaving ADDIE for SAM: An Agile Model for

Developing the Best Learning Experiences.” American Society for Training and Development

(2012).

Allen Interactions. (2021). E-Learning development with SAM. Allen Interactions. E-Learning

(2014). The New Frontier of Successive Approximation Model. New York: Your E-Learning

World Pitch

Mazhar, W. (2018, Oct. 31). Sam model: Best instructional design model for short deadlines and

staying on budget. 360eLearning. Retrieved from Jung, H., Kim, Y., Lee, H., & Shin, Y. (2019).

Advanced design for successive E-Learning: Based on the successive approximation model

(SAM). International Journal on E-Learning. 18(2), 191-204.

Rimmer, T. (2016). An introduction to SAM for instructional designers. Articulate Global, Inc.