How important is evaluation to the instructional design process and why?

While each step of the ADDIE framework is critical to the process of delivering an instructional design module, the evaluation process provides continuous feedback and helps determine the merit and effectiveness of the entire design. ISD models, such as ADDIE, are often thought of as a linear process, but the evaluation process is actually quite dynamic, with each step of the framework overlapping an evaluative perspective. The process of asking questions which ensure that learner or business goals are being met, is a critical part of the evaluation process within each step of the analysis, development, design and implementation. An evaluation that is conducted throughout the design project is referred to as a formative evaluation, which serves as a tool for designers to assess deficiencies in learning, so that the design can be modified to make corrections to improve the quality of the program. While designers lead from formative evaluations, it is within the final evaluation step, where we can really ascertain the impact on learning outcomes and measure for changed behaviors in learning outcomes. The final evaluation of the project is called the summative evaluation, which is focused on the outcome of the overall project. Designers should engage with facilitators as well as learners, in order to better understand the impacts of the design for all user levels. Early in the project, the framework takes shape within the design document. In this document the designer determines who the stakeholders and learners are, and determine what learning outcomes are needed or expected through this project. At the conclusion of a project, we have the opportunity to look comparatively at the changes in outcomes between old processes and the new design, or we can evaluate the learning outcomes for a first time program against other similar programs, in order to better understand any shortcomings or changes that may be needed for improvement in the future. While designers should always consider a qualitative and quantitative approach to measuring learning outcomes from assessments, it is also imperative to account for improved motivation and performance, because they are predictive measures for success.