The ADDIE Model:

The ADDIE model is one of the most well-known and widely used frameworks for instructional design. It stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. In the Analysis phase, instructional problems are identified and learning needs or goals are analyzed. In the Design phase, learning objectives, assessments and a test/curriculum plan are developed. The Development phase covers developing instructional materials like learner guides, instructor guides, simulations, etc. Implementation involves delivery of the instruction, which could be in a classroom, online, or blended. The Evaluation phase measures how effective the instructional material was at achieving the desired outcomes.

For a capstone project, students would identify an instructional problem, conduct a learner analysis, write objectives, develop materials and activities, propose an implementation strategy and evaluation plan. A strength of ADDIE is that it provides a very structured, systematic approach to instructional design. It may be considered too linear and rigid by some.

ASSURE Model:

The ASSURE model is also a popular instructional design model used by many. It stands for Analyze learners, State objectives, Select methods/media/materials, Utilize methods/media/materials, Require learner participation, Evaluate and revise. In the Analyze learners phase, learner characteristics and context are analyzed. The State objectives phase involves stating measurable learning objectives. Select methods involves choosing delivery methods and instructional materials. Utilize methods is the development and delivery of instruction. Require participation engages learners in the instruction. Evaluate and revise assesses effectiveness of instruction and makes improvements.

For a capstone using ASSURE, students would go through each step to design, develop and propose an instructional intervention. It provides structure but is more flexible than ADDIE. Evaluation and revision are explicitly built into the model which is a strength. It does not provide as much detail on some phases compared to ADDIE.

Dick and Carey Model:

The Dick and Carey model is another widely respected instructional design model originally developed in the 1970s. It involves 10 main steps: (1) Identify instructional goals, (2) Conduct instructional analysis, (3) Analyze learners and contexts, (4) Write performance objectives, (5) Develop assessment instruments, (6) Develop instructional strategy, (7) Develop and select instructional materials, (8) Design and conduct formative evaluation, (9) Revise instruction, and (10) Design and conduct summative evaluation.

Some key aspects that are beneficial for a capstone project include the emphasis on both formative and summative evaluation built into the framework. This allows students to pilot and refine their instructional materials based on evaluation feedback. The model also provides more guidance on developing assessment instruments compared to ASSURE or ADDIE. Drawbacks could include it being more complex than ADDIE with additional steps and processes.

The Successive Approximation Model (SAM):

The SAM model involves an iterative, cyclic approach for designing and developing instruction. It includes the core steps of: (1) Set goals, (2) Conduct needs assessment, (3) Write objectives, (4) Develop evaluation instruments, (5) Develop instructional strategies, (6) Develop and select content, (7) Select delivery system, (8) Develop assessment, (9) Revise instruction based on assessment, (10) Implement, and (11) Repeat the cycle.

What’s beneficial about SAM for a capstone is that it emphasizes the instructional design process as ongoing and continually improved through feedback during implementation, unlike linear models like ADDIE. Students will get to practice the skill of revising and refining their instruction through multiple iterations based on assessed outcomes. It may lack some structure and specifics compared to models like Dick and Carey. It places more emphasis on the process than specific outputs.

All of these frameworks could be suitable options for an instructional design capstone project. The best choice would depend on the learning objectives, scope and available time/resources. Combining aspects from different models may also be an optimal strategy. The frameworks provide a systematic structure to follow while designing, developing and evaluating an instructional intervention for a given context and learning problem.