Unit 6: Successive Approximation Model (SAM)
SAM Overview
Developed by Michael W. Allen, Successive Approximation Model (or SAM) is a collaborative framework that involves close collaboration between instructional designers (IDs), subject matter experts (SMEs), and stakeholders when designing and developing programs/courses that require frequent change.
P H A S E S
Overview
PREPERATION
The Preparation phase focuses on cross-collaboration between IDs, SMEs, and stakeholders to gather as much necessary information (project goals, target audience/learners, learning objectives, and existing resources).
Components of Preparation:
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Project Initiation: meetings between SMEs, IDs, and stakeholders.
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Needs Assessment: gather data.
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Define Learning Objectives: measurable learning outcomes
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Background Info Gathering: collect data on industry/field, learners, trends.
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Stakeholders Collaboration: SMEs, stakeholders, instructors, and sponsors provide valuable insights and input.
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
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Stakeholder Transparency: frequent reviews eliminate content and learning outcome misalignment.
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Agile: pivoting does not destroy or derail the project roadmap.
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Functional Testing: catching issues in Alpha is cheaper than fixing them in Gold or Rollout.​
Limitations
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​Resource Intensive: constant loops, iterative evaluations, and improvements require high SME and stakeholder availability.
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Feedback Fatigue: repeatable revisions and 'messy' prototypes can cause teams to grow tired.
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Budget Creep: iterations may cause extended timelines and constant PM oversight.
The Successive Approximation Model (SAM) is an excellent framework for cross-collaboration and catching errors via prototypes. This framework emphasizes frequent feedback and rapid prototyping and is best used in e-learning/distant learning environments across audiences (K12, higher ed, corporate).
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Considering several factors, SAM could be beneficial for my minicourse. Including the following strengths:
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Great for testing the "Digital Toolkit" learning tool
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Formative evaluation, gaining immediate feedback for immediate improvements
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For self-directed learners
However, the cons outweigh the pros.
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Each phase requires too many components and stakeholders
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Possibly too slow compared to Rapid Instructional Development (RID)
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My minicourse doesn't require continuous prototyping
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Constant testing
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I believe other models that require less stakeholder input and testing may be more suitable for my minicourse.
Applying SAM to My Minicourse
References
​University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Identifying an instructional design model for a minicourse. Brightspace.
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University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Iterative design phase. Brightspace.
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​University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Iterative development phase. Brightspace.
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University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Overview of the successive approximation model (SAM). Brightspace.
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University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Preparation phase. Brightspace.
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University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Strengths and limitations of SAM. Brightspace.