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American educator, Ralph W. Tyler, is considered "the father of behavioral objectives" for his contributions in testing and curriculum development.
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Highly regarded psychologists and educators used their expertise to create training materials and assessments to evaluate the skills of trainees. Norm-reference testing makes its first appearance as a screening tool for candidates with an aptitude for certain programs.
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From the late 1940's and early 1950's, psychologists begin viewing training as a system, developing procedures in analysis, design, and evaluation.
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Psychologists like B.F. Skinner bring ideas to the forefront that explained an empirical approach to how instructional materials can be effective teaching tools. Small steps, immediate feedback, and self-pacing leads to positive feedback and, ultimately, learning. The early concept of formative assessment also emerges.
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Dr. Benjamin Bloom establishes classifications of learning outcomes in a hierarchy and asserts that tests should be designed to measure each level.
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Psychologist Robert Mager popularizes the use of performance objectives in learning.
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Cognitive psychologist Robert Glaser uses criterion-referenced testing for entry level and summative testing.
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Gagne develops his 5 domains of learning and 9 events of instruction and asserts that skills should be acquired in a hierarchy.
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By the end of the 1970's, more than 40 instructional models had been developed. Instructional design is gaining attention and value, becoming a viable way to solve instructional problems.
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The 1980's saw continued growth in military and business sectors, but little growth in education. Computer-based instruction emerges with the invention of the microcomputer.
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Instructional designers evolve as problem solvers and consultants for workplace solutions. Constructivism becomes more prevalent as learners solve complex, real-world problems and take ownership of their learning.
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Instructional designers begin designing "just in time" learning, such as tutorials and simulations, that provide learning opportunities at the time of need.
Rapid Prototyping emerges as a way to produce quality instructional materials in a shortened amount of time. -
Use of the internet has accelerated online training and learning.
