Glossary
Agile Learning Design
You’ve probably heard the term “agile learning design” before in a meeting once or during regular business communication. What does this term mean, and why are so many companies talking about it?
Agile Learning Design (ADL) is an approach to the development of educational content that promotes speed, flexibility, and teamwork. The term is ubiquitous in the field of software development, where cost-effective learning programs are a must.
The Need
Agile learning solutions are becoming a widely adopted trend when it comes to corporate learning. As the technology industry changes and expands rapidly with new developments, organizations must keep up with similarly fast and flexible training programs for business partners and clients.
The Old Approach
Before the introduction of ADL, the traditional approach to organizational learning was ADDIE, which stands for the stages involved in the process: Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate.
This methodology is linear and requires approval from stakeholders after each stage. ADDIE results in accurate learning content that fits intended training purposes well, making it an attractive option in academia.
Businesses, however, need a faster, more flexible model. That’s where Agile Learning Design comes in.
How ADL Improves On Traditional Methods
As mentioned, the main goal of ADL is more flexibility, speed, and opportunities for collaboration while developing and delivering new instructional materials for businesses.
The rise of eLearning, or online training, has aided in these goals. Agile IT training enables teams to repurpose currently existing courseware for an online format that offers better accessibility and convenience. Participants can access materials at any location at any time.
The Agile Learning Design Process
There’s no “one size fits all” path to a successful Agile Learning Design system. Companies of all sizes and industries have their own ways of approaching training, but ADL generally involves the following steps:
- Stakeholders, eLearning experts, content creators, participants, and management meet to discuss the development of new training courses.
- The first draft of the content is made quickly. Later, the teams will meet again to discuss additions and improvements.
- The process repeats for each section of the course, resulting in finished content before publication.
There are several benefits to this process:
- The teams will always consider how the learning will engage with the course, ensuring that the content remains engaging and immersive.
- Because development occurs in chunks, each portion of the course is higher quality since it’s easier to find small issues and address them promptly.
- There’s a higher chance of real collaboration since everybody involved meets to share opinions and feedback.
Terms To Know Regarding Agile Learning Methodology
- Instructional Systems Design (ISD): ISD is an umbrella term that encompasses the entire process of assessing an organization’s training needs, developing relevant materials, and delivering the content to the participants.
- Rapid Application Development (RAD): As the name suggests, RAD ensures the process remains fast to meet the demands of a quickly-changing industry.
- Rapid Content Development (RCD): This ADL methodology involves preparation, iterative design, and the use of cost-effective virtual training solutions.
- Successive Approximation Model (SAM): Developed by Michael Allen, CEO of Allen Interactions, Inc., this approach to ADL emphasizes efficiency, repetition, and collaboration. It was designed as an alternative to the traditional ADDIE model.
A Godsend for the Tech Industry
As a participant in one of the most profitable and competitive industries out there in the modern age, technology-based companies need fast, accurate, and scalable methods for corporate training.
Agile Learning Design is ready to respond with flexibility, an emphasis on collaboration, and the use of online practice labs. Consider adopting the ADL model if your business needs better training practices for its business partners, clients, and employees.
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