Trends in Instructional Design: Emerging Theory-Based Models

Currently, instructional design theorists are generating new enhancements of traditional design models on both macro and micro levels. This paper summarizes the anticipated changes in instructional design models that will result from today's theoretical activity. It addresses issues such as linearity in the design process, enhanced roles of analysis and evaluation, and the new emphasis on learner control and transfer of training. These model enhancements are being influenced by new interpretations of general systems theory and cognitive learning theory, constructivism, chaos theory, and situated cognition. Predicted model changes also reflect the impact of the new technologies, designer decision-making research, and the performance technology and total quality management movements. These and other intellectual forces are likely to produce diverse models for future designers.