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SUCCESSIVE APPROXIMATION MODEL (SAM)

The Successive Approximation Model (SAM) is an instructional design model that is cyclical and is beneficial for projects that require a quick development and implementation due to its flexibility. SAM focuses on always evaluating its effectiveness to make the needed adjustments and this cycle is repeated to ensure the content displayed is up-to-date and is meeting the learners needs. 

THE THREE PHASES OF SAM

1.Preparation: This part of the process is an important stepping stone to make sure that the information needed is acquired to begin planning the learning module. 
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During this phase a meeting is held with the instructional designer and client to gather the information needed regarding what the goal is and what the timeline will look like so that the instructional designer has an idea of what the expectations are regarding when things are needed to be completed. Information is gathered also gathered regarding what the target audience is, learning objectives and ensuring the client has input into the decision making process so that their vision can come to life. The instructional designer works closely with the subject matter experts to ensure communication is clear. 
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2. Iterative Design Phase: Instructional materials are created during this phase to test and evaluated to see what is working well and what needs to be adjusted. 
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Communication and visualization is crucial in this phase to ensure that the quality of the learning modules is up to par with the client's expectations. Designing the modules happens here to provide visuals to the client to obtain feedback regarding what needs to be adjusted. Feedback is also collected from the learners to see what adjustments need to be made to ensure that the learning objectives are being met. 
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3. Iterative Development Phase: This phase is an important part of the design process where the final product approaches its finish and designs are evaluated to ensure alignment with the learning objectives. 
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Different stages are involved to make sure that the content is displayed well, the multimedia components work cohesively throughout the learning module. Approval is given to go live but even when the product is live for use and viewing, monitoring is done to make sure that the learner is having a positive experience and that any issues that arise are addressed immediately. 

IMPLICATIONS OF SAM FOR INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN

  • Rapid implementation of learning modules that prevent costly expenses. 

  • Constant communication with the subject matter experts and client to ensure the final product is meeting their standard and has all of the required information. 

  • Being able to test the learning module early on before it is finalized helps the instructional designer and client see how the final product will lock and be able to play with the prototype to see what is working and what needs to be adjusted. 

  • If an issue occurs once the learning module goes live then that feedback from the learner is received quickly due to the constant monitoring and the issues can be resolved so that there are no delays , users are not stuck dealing with issues for a long time. 

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF SAM IN MY MINI COURSE

STRENGTHS 

LIMITATIONS

  • It has a repetitive cycle that would be beneficial for me to constantly monitor feedback given, make sure the learning is having a positive learning experience. 

  • A prototype is created and can assist in testing out my mini course to see how it is perceived first and adjustments can be made. 

  • It can go live quicky and not be something that will be delayed for months or even years. 

  • Being new to the SAM instructional design model I could see myself having difficulty fully implementing it. 

  • I wouldn't have the amount of resources, available that would be required for the constant research, and feedback. 

  • My course is an online asynchronous, how-to course that I want to create to ensure the appropriate time is given to produce a high quality product and not something that is rushed. 

References

© 2025 by Maria Jacobs  and secured by Wix. This work is licensed under CC BY 4.0

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