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The SAM (Successive Approximation Model) instructional design approach represents a significant shift from traditional, linear design methodologies. Developed by Dr. Michael Allen, founder of Allen Interactions and a renowned expert in instructional design, SAM was created to address the limitations of sequential models like ADDIE. While ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) has been the go-to framework for many instructional designers, its linear structure often leads to discovering design flaws too late in the process, resulting in costly and time-consuming revisions.

The education landscape is undergoing a seismic shift due to artificial intelligence, and educators who adapt quickly will best serve their students. In a recent conversation with Dr. Matthew Metzger, Clinical Professor of Economics at UNC Charlotte and author of "The Overnight Educator: Transform Your Courses in 24 Hours," we explored how AI is revolutionizing higher education and what instructors can do to embrace this change effectively.

In a recent episode of the Designing with Love podcast, host Jackie Pelegrin welcomed Naveen Krishnan, an AI Solutions Architect at Microsoft, to discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence across various industries, with special focus on its applications in instructional design and workplace productivity.

The landscape of e-learning is rapidly evolving, and instructional designers must adapt to stay relevant. In a recent episode of the Designing with Love podcast, Jackie had the pleasure of interviewing Nathalie Doremieux, co-founder of Podcast Lead Flow, who shared invaluable insights about creating effective online learning experiences and leveraging AI as a powerful tool in instructional design.

Caroline Amberson's journey through instructional design education exemplifies how experienced educators can enhance their careers while maintaining their passion for teaching. As she shared in her interview on the Designing with Love podcast, Caroline has spent 22 years as a classroom educator with San Bernardino City Unified, currently teaching a fifth and sixth-grade combination class. What makes her story particularly intriguing is her simultaneous 12-year role as a program specialist and demonstration teacher—opening her classroom to observers while creating instructional content for her district and mentoring new teachers.