When you sign up for an online course, you don’t just get videos and quizzes. You’re stepping into a carefully designed learning system. These systems are built using eLearning models-structured approaches that guide how content is delivered, how learners interact, and how knowledge sticks. Not all online courses are created equal. Some feel like watching a lecture on mute. Others feel like you’re in a real classroom, even if you’re in your pajamas. The difference? The model behind it.
Model 1: ADDIE
ADDIE is the oldest and most widely used eLearning model. It stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. Think of it as a blueprint. First, you figure out who the learners are and what they need (Analysis). Then you plan how to teach it (Design). After that, you build the actual course materials (Development). You roll it out (Implementation), and finally, you check if it worked (Evaluation).
Most corporate training programs still use ADDIE because it’s thorough. But it’s also slow. If you’re trying to update a course every six months because regulations changed, ADDIE’s five-step process can feel like dragging a boat through mud. Still, if you’re building a compliance course for a bank or hospital, ADDIE’s structure keeps things accurate and audit-ready.
Model 2: SAM (Successive Approximation Model)
SAM was created to fix ADDIE’s biggest flaw: too much planning, not enough testing. Instead of spending months designing everything before showing anyone, SAM says: build a rough version fast, test it with real learners, then tweak it. Repeat. It’s like prototyping a phone app-you don’t wait until it’s perfect to hand it to users.
This model has three phases: Preparation, Iterative Design, and Iterative Development. You start with a quick prototype-maybe just a few screens of a course. You watch learners struggle with it. You fix the confusing parts. You test again. This cycle keeps going until the course feels natural to use.
SAM works best when you’re designing for younger learners, tech-savvy professionals, or anyone who hates boring, text-heavy modules. Companies like Airbnb and Spotify use SAM to build internal training because it keeps engagement high and reduces rework.
Model 3: Bloom’s Taxonomy (Revised)
Bloom’s isn’t just a fancy word for learning levels-it’s a roadmap for building courses that actually change how people think. The original version from the 1950s listed six levels of thinking: Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, Create. In 2001, it got updated to use action verbs: Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, Create.
What does this mean for eLearning? If your course only asks learners to recall facts, you’re stuck at the bottom. To make real impact, you need to push them up the ladder. For example:
- Remember: “What is the capital of France?”
- Understand: “Explain why Paris became the capital.”
- Apply: “Use this pricing formula to calculate a discount.”
- Analyze: “Compare two marketing strategies and point out strengths and weaknesses.”
- Evaluate: “Which strategy would work better for a startup? Justify your answer.”
- Create: “Design your own marketing campaign for a new product.”
Top online universities and certification programs use Bloom’s Taxonomy to ensure their courses don’t just test memory-they build critical thinking. If your course only has multiple-choice quizzes, you’re probably not using Bloom’s properly.
Model 4: Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction
Robert Gagne didn’t just write a theory-he wrote a step-by-step script for effective learning. His nine events are like a recipe for keeping learners focused and retaining information.
Here’s how they work in real courses:
- Gain attention: Start with a surprising fact, a short video, or a question like, “What if you could cut your work hours in half?”
- Inform learners of objectives: “By the end of this module, you’ll be able to create a budget spreadsheet in Excel.”
- Stimulate recall of prior learning: “Remember last week’s lesson on cash flow? We’re building on that.”
- Present the content: Use a mix of text, visuals, and short videos-not a 30-minute lecture.
- Provide learning guidance: Give examples, analogies, or a checklist to follow.
- Elicit performance: Ask learners to do something-drag and drop, answer a scenario, record a short response.
- Provide feedback: Don’t just say “wrong.” Say, “You missed this step because you didn’t check the formula. Here’s how to fix it.”
- Assess performance: A short quiz or project to confirm mastery.
- Enhance retention and transfer: End with a real-world task they can do tomorrow, like “Send this email template to your manager.”
Gagne’s model is used heavily in government training, healthcare certification, and military eLearning. It’s not flashy, but it works. If your course feels forgettable, check if you skipped any of these nine steps.
Model 5: Keller’s ARCS Model
Why do some online courses feel addictive, while others make you want to quit after five minutes? Keller’s ARCS Model answers that. It’s all about motivation. ARCS stands for Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction.
Here’s how top platforms use it:
- Attention: Use surprises, humor, or interactive elements. A course on tax law that starts with “What if you got a $10,000 refund by accident?” grabs attention better than a dry definition.
- Relevance: Show learners how this connects to their lives. “This negotiation skill will help you ask for a raise next month.”
- Confidence: Break big tasks into small wins. Give progress bars, badges, or instant feedback so learners feel capable.
- Satisfaction: Let learners feel proud. A certificate at the end, a shout-out in a forum, or a chance to share their work with peers.
ARCS is the secret behind Duolingo’s success. It’s also why LinkedIn Learning courses feel engaging even when the topic is boring. If learners aren’t motivated, no amount of fancy graphics will save your course.
Which Model Should You Use?
There’s no single “best” model. It depends on your goal:
- Need accuracy and compliance? Use ADDIE.
- Want fast updates and high engagement? Go with SAM.
- Teaching critical thinking or problem-solving? Build with Bloom’s Taxonomy.
- Training professionals with low attention spans? Use Gagne’s Nine Events.
- Struggling to keep learners coming back? Apply ARCS.
Many modern platforms blend them. For example, a course might use SAM to build quickly, follow Gagne’s steps to keep learners engaged, and apply Bloom’s to ensure real skill growth. The best eLearning doesn’t stick to one model-it picks the right parts from each.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced designers mess this up. Here are the top three errors:
- Using one model for everything: You wouldn’t use a hammer to screw in a lightbulb. Don’t use ADDIE for a 10-minute microlearning module.
- Ignoring learner motivation: If learners don’t see the point, they won’t finish. ARCS isn’t optional-it’s essential.
- Skipping evaluation: If you don’t measure results, you’re guessing. Even a simple survey asking “Did this help you?” gives you data.
Also, avoid flashy animations just because you can. A well-designed course with plain text and clear questions often outperforms a visually overloaded one.
What is the most popular eLearning model today?
ADDIE is still the most widely used, especially in corporate and government training, because of its structured approach. But SAM is growing fast because it’s faster and more flexible. Many organizations now use a hybrid-starting with ADDIE for planning but using SAM’s iterative testing to refine content.
Can I mix different eLearning models?
Yes, and you should. Most high-performing courses combine models. For example, you might use Bloom’s Taxonomy to set learning goals, Gagne’s Nine Events to structure each lesson, and ARCS to keep learners motivated. The key is to pick the right tool for each part of the learning journey-not to force one model to do everything.
Do I need to be a designer to use these models?
No. You don’t need to be a professional instructional designer. Many LMS platforms like Moodle, Thinkific, or TalentLMS have built-in templates based on these models. You just need to understand the principles: start with a goal, test early, keep learners engaged, and check if they learned. Tools help-you still need to think.
Are these models only for businesses?
No. These models are used in universities, K-12 schools, nonprofits, and even personal learning apps. Bloom’s Taxonomy is taught in teacher training programs worldwide. ARCS is used in language apps like Duolingo. Gagne’s model is in government-run public health courses. They’re universal tools for effective learning, no matter the setting.
How do I know if my eLearning course is working?
Look at three things: completion rates, quiz scores, and real-world application. If most learners finish the course and score above 80%, that’s good. But the real test is: do they use what they learned? Ask them: “Have you applied this skill at work or home?” If the answer is yes, your model is working.
Next Steps
Start small. Pick one model that matches your biggest challenge. If learners drop out early, try ARCS. If they understand the content but can’t apply it, use Bloom’s. If your course takes months to update, switch to SAM. Don’t try to fix everything at once.
Track one metric for 30 days-completion rate, quiz score, or feedback score. Then adjust. Learning design isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, one small tweak at a time.