The online course I am auditing is ‘Understanding Depression and Low Mood in Young People.’ The ADDIE model is often used for online courses due to its organization and relevancy (Bates & Bates, 2015). The five-step process ensures learning objectives, course content, mode of delivery, assessments, and activities are all valuable to meet learner goals (Bates & Bates, 2015). In the analysis phase of my course audit, the learning objectives were outlined in week one. The course is designed for those working with a younger population in medical and/or school settings. The course is also for parents of children who are experiencing depression and for those who want to gain beginner knowledge in this field (FutureLearn, 2022). In week one, the course disclaims that it is not meant for treatment and that all teachings should be individualized, not generalized (FutureLearn, 2022). In the design phase, this course offers many activities and assessments. For example, week 2 includes an “ACE” activity, which learners are encouraged to complete to reflect on their activities for the week and how they felt (FutureLearn, 2022). Additionally, an assessment instrument such as quizzes is used. Weeks 2 and 3 have a quiz at the end of each week’s topic to test the learners’ knowledge (FutureLearn, 2022). The ‘develop’ phase is evident as the course is available on an online website called “Future Learn,” which is made available for free to those who wish to learn on online platforms. The course lacks an ‘evaluation’ portion as ADDIE models typically have. I would have included an evaluation section at the end of the course, improving learning for future students through feedback.

References

FutureLearn. (2022, October 25). https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/depression-young-people/8/steps/1723859

Bates, A. W. (Tony), & Bates, A. W. (2015, April 5). 4.3 the addie model. Teaching in a Digital Age. https://opentextbc.ca/teachinginadigitalage/chapter/6-5-the-addie-model/