Series: The ID Models & Theories Toolbox Episodes

Want a strong ID foundation you can actually use? This series walks through essential instructional design models and learning theories—from ADDIE and SAM to Bloom, ARCS, UDL, Kirkpatrick, and more—so you can design with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Nov. 12, 2025

From Theory to Practice: Bringing Learning Theories to Life in Instru…

Ever felt stuck translating learning theories into actual instructional design practice? You're not alone. Learning theories like Behaviorism and Constructivism often remain abstract concepts rather than practical tools—until now. This episode bridges that crucial gap between theory and application…

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Nov. 9, 2025

Think, Do, Reflect: Using Constructivism in Instructional Design

Whether you're brand new to the field or just looking for a refresher, today's episode will help you understand what constructivism is, how it's applied in instructional design, and how you can begin to incorporate it into your own practice. Constructivist Learning Theory transforms how we understa…

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Nov. 5, 2025

Designing with Layers: Exploring Elaboration Theory

Ever feel like your instructional design is missing that special something that makes learning truly stick? The answer might lie in the way you're structuring your content. In this episode, we explore Elaboration Theory—a pow...

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Oct. 26, 2025

Start with the Core: Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction

Ever wondered what separates truly effective learning experiences from those that fade from memory as soon as the lesson ends? The answer might lie in applying Merrill's First Principles of Instruction – a powerful framework ...

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Oct. 22, 2025

Designing on the Fly: How Rapid Prototyping Speeds Up Smarter Learnin…

Feeling overwhelmed by tight deadlines and shifting expectations in your instructional design projects? Discover how Rapid Prototyping can transform your approach to creating effective learning experiences. Rapid prototyping ...

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Oct. 15, 2025

Designing Effective Learning: A Deep Dive into the Dick and Carey Mod…

Have you ever struggled to create courses that truly engage your learners? The Dick and Carey model might be the game-changer you've been seeking. Unlike traditional linear approaches, this powerful framework views instructio...

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Oct. 12, 2025

Beyond Learning Outcomes: Designing for Humans or Learners?

Navigating the world of instructional design can be confusing when similar-sounding concepts appear to overlap. That's exactly the challenge many ID professionals face when distinguishing between human-centered design and lea...

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Oct. 5, 2025

Mastering Complex Learning with the 4C/ID Model

Struggling with designing effective learning for complex skills? The Four-Component Instructional Design Model (4C/ID) might be exactly what you need in your instructional design toolkit. Most traditional learning models star...

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Oct. 1, 2025

Needs Analysis and Learner Personas: Your Secret Weapon for Effective…

What happens when you launch a learning experience that misses the mark despite solid content? The critical missing ingredient might be a deep understanding of your audience. In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked f...

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Sept. 21, 2025

Designing for the Connected Learner: A Connectivism Guide

Ever wondered why traditional learning designs feel increasingly outdated in our digital world? The answer lies in Connectivism : a revolutionary approach that's reshaping how effective learning happens today. Connectivism re...

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Sept. 17, 2025

Backward Design: Start with the End in Mind

Have you ever created a learning experience that left you wondering whether your learners truly understood the point? Backward Design might be the solution you've been seeking. This transformative approach flips the tradition...

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Sept. 14, 2025

The Kirkpatrick Model: Measuring Learning Impact That Actually Matters

How do you know if your learning experiences actually worked? The answer goes far beyond handing out smiley face surveys at the end of training. The Kirkpatrick Model stands as one of the most trusted frameworks for evaluatin...

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Sept. 7, 2025

Designing for Everyone: A Guide to Universal Design for Learning

Accessibility isn't an afterthought; it's the foundation of great instructional design. Have you ever designed a course only to realize not everyone can access it? Or did you receive an accessibility requirement that left you scratching your head? You're not alone. Universal Design for Learning, al…

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Aug. 31, 2025

Unlock Learning Potential with Mayer's 12 Multimedia Principles

Struggling to create multimedia content that truly engages your learners without overwhelming them? This episode delivers the solution you've been searching for. Mayer's 12 Multimedia Principles provide a powerful, research-b...

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Aug. 24, 2025

Mastering the ARCS Model for Adult Learning

Ever designed a learning experience that simply didn't connect with your audience? The missing ingredient might be motivation—the essential element that transforms passive content consumption into active, engaged learning. In this comprehensive exploration of John Keller's ARCS model, I break down …

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Aug. 17, 2025

Light the Fire, Don't Fill the Pail: Adult Learning Secrets

Welcome to episode 41 of the Designing with Love podcast, where I cover why understanding Adult Learning Theory is fundamental to creating effective and engaging learning experiences for adult learners. Ever wondered why some...

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July 6, 2025

Mastering the SAM Model: A Guide to Rapid Instructional Design

Ready to revolutionize your instructional design approach? The SAM (Successive Approximation Model) might be exactly what you need. This episode explores how this agile alternative to traditional linear design can transform y...

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June 1, 2025

All About the Nine Events of Instruction

Welcome to episode 30 of the Designing with Love podcast, where I cover the Nine Events of Instruction and how to apply the model when designing a course. In addition, I share some tips for effective implementation and common...

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May 25, 2025

Using Bloom's Taxonomy to Guide Instructional Design

Welcome to episode 29 of the Designing with Love podcast, where I provide an overview of Bloom's Taxonomy and why it is an important tool for instructional designers to utilize when creating learning objectives, assessments, and activities. In addition, I outline some practical applications of usin…

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May 18, 2025

What is Cognitive Load and Why is it Important?

Welcome to episode 28 of the Designing with Love podcast, where I describe what Cognitive Load Theory is and why it is important in the instructional design field. In addition, I discuss the science behind cognitive load theo...

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May 11, 2025

ADDIE Model Benefits and Drawbacks

Welcome to episode 27 of the Designing with Love podcast, where I cover the benefits and drawbacks to consider when utilizing the ADDIE Model in designing instructional solutions. In addition, I discuss my personal experience...

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May 4, 2025

Top 10 Instructional Design Models and Theories

Welcome to episode 26 of the Designing with Love podcast, where I review the top 10 instructional design models and theories that are used in the field today. The episode includes a brief description, the strengths, and how i...

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