WIDS Supports Multiple Instructional Design Models

WIDS software is a versatile tool that bridges foundational instructional design models to ensure comprehensive and effective curriculum development and assessment. It assumes a purposeful connection between instruction and assessment.  Built on instruction alignment theory, which relies on “congruence,” or the alignment between instructional and assessment conditions (Cohen, 1987), WIDS also dovetails perfectly with other models, such as Kirkpatrick and ADDIE.  

This “alignment” of theory and versatility within WIDS software enables educators to develop and align performance standards, learning objectives, and assessments at the organizational, program, and course levels.  WIDS supports the systematic design and evaluation processes emphasized in ADDIE and aligns with the Kirkpatrick model's focus on evaluating training effectiveness at multiple levels, from learner satisfaction to organizational impact.

Here's how WIDS integrates multiple models across the arc of curriculum development and assessment, from learning outcomes to continuous improvement.  

WIDS supports a focus on outcomes:

• Instructional Alignment Theory: Supports the alignment of instructional activities and assessments with intended learning outcomes, ensuring coherence and effectiveness.
• Kirkpatrick: Enables educators to evaluate training outcomes at various levels, from learner satisfaction to the broader impact on organizational goals.
• ADDIE: Facilitates the systematic design of instruction to achieve specific learning outcomes, ensuring that every phase is outcome-driven.

WIDS ensures alignment and congruence:

• Instructional Alignment Theory: Promotes congruence between instruction and assessment, ensuring that both are directly aligned with the learning objectives.
• Kirkpatrick: Ensures that training results align with organizational objectives, particularly at higher levels such as behavior change and results.
• ADDIE: Aligns each phase of the instructional design process (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) with the overall learning goals, creating a cohesive learning experience.

WIDS encourages systematic evaluation and continuous improvement:

• Instructional Alignment Theory: Enables continuous evaluation of the alignment between instruction and assessment, ensuring that learning objectives are consistently met.
• Kirkpatrick: Supports ongoing evaluation at multiple levels, helping educators assess the effectiveness of training and identify areas for improvement.
• ADDIE: Integrates evaluation throughout the instructional design process, particularly during the Evaluation phase, to continuously refine and enhance instruction.

WIDS provides structured process:

• Instructional Alignment Theory: Ensures a structured approach to aligning instruction, assessment, and learning objectives, promoting consistency and coherence in course design.
• Kirkpatrick: Provides a structured framework for evaluating training effectiveness, from initial learner reactions to the final impact on organizational results.
• ADDIE: Offers a structured approach to designing and implementing instructional programs, ensuring each phase is methodically executed.

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The foundation of instructional alignment theory and the integration of multiple models makes WIDS software a powerful tool for helping educators design, deliver, and evaluate effective, aligned curriculum.

WIDS (Worldwide Instructional Design System) is a nonprofit organization that provides curriculum design software, consulting, and training services.

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