The first three chapters of your textbook focus on defining the field and provide a rationale for the name of the book. Address the following activities in your blog:
- Reflect on the definitions the book has provided and develop your own definition as it relates to your work environment.
The book gives several definitions of instruction technology it is interesting to see how the definition has progressed over the years. The first definition focused on instructional media, this definition was developed in the 1920s. According to the definition instructional media was any form of visual aid, such as pictures, slides, and educational films used in teaching. Between the late 1920s through the 1940s the definition expanded to include audiovisual instruction as well as visual aids. The audiovisual instruction included sound clips, radio broadcasting, and motion pictures with sounds. The definition then took a huge shift between the 1950s and 1970s. The definition for instructional technology changed from focusing on media used to focusing on instructional technology as a process. In 1970 the Commission on Instructional Technology gave to varying definitions of instructional technology. The first definition that was given reflected on the older views of instructional technology viewing it as the forms of media used for instructional purposes, such as TV, computers, and overhead projectors. The second that was given focused on instructional technology as a process. In this definition learning and teaching is designed, carried out, and evaluated based on researching human learning and communications as well as putting into practice the use of human and nonhuman resources to implement effective instruction. An even more extensive definition was given in 1977 by AETC. The definition given still focused on instructional technology being a systematic process and included many of the steps in the systematic design process, such as production, implementation, and evaluation. In 1994 the definition took another shift describing the instructional technology field in terms of five different domains; design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation. This definition is focusing on instructional processes. The most current definition, the one used in the text, focuses on two key elements, the use of instructional media and the systematic instructional design procedures. Before I read this chapter I would have most likely given the definition of instructional technology as the use of computers, projectors, and other types of media used in the classroom during a lesson, but now that I have read the chapter my definition has dramatically changed. I currently work at a middle school and for my work environment I would define instructional technology as the utilization of instructional media in the learning process as well as the evaluation and analysis of the implementation of the technology to ensure effective instruction.
- Next, study the Dick, Carey and Carey model of instructional design. Redesign the model excluding and/or adding components as needed. Describe how the model adheres to the six characteristics of instructional design and how it fits in your work environment relating to your definition of instructional design.
In my redesign of the Dick, Carey and Carey model of instructional design I excluded conducting instructional analysis and analyzing learners and context. I excluded this in this model because I would consider this to be under assessing the needs of students to identify goals. When I assess my students I analyze the results to determine the most effective means of instruction. I added in implementing instruction because the students cannot be assessed for learning without this vital part of the learning process. I then moved revising instruction to the end of the model because students must be assessed for learning first to determine if a revision of instruction is necessary. My model fits the six characteristics of instructional design because it focuses on the success of the learners. This model fits into my work environment because this process is how my coworkers and I implement instruction in our classes.
- And finally, in chapter 3, there is discussion on how the internet and world wide web will have a major influence on the way instruction is delivered to learners. Based on what you know about these technological innovations combined with what you have read about the history of instructional films, television, the computer and more, discuss how technology is generally used in the field of education and how you foresee technology being used in the future in the following areas: K12 Education, Higher Education and Adult Education (continuing education). For example, think about how we are using the blog to capture learning in higher education. How could it be used in K12?
The technology used in classrooms today typically includes a computer, the internet, and a media projector. Teachers typically use the internet as a resource for finding lesson ideas. The computers used in elementary level classrooms are typically used for the students to practice typing as well as play games related to math, reading, or science. For the upper elementary students teachers let them use the internet to do research projects. In middle school and high school computers are also used for research projects and computer classes that are designed to teach students how to effectively use the tools on computers. In higher education and adult education the internet is used for web based classes and distance learning. Blogs are used in these classes to communicate among students and complete class assignments. At the middle school I work at blogs are actually used in our professional communication classes for students to communicate with one another. The staff members are using an online blog as well staff development as we complete a book study. I believe that blogs could be used in elementary level classrooms as a place for students to display writing assignments or even communicate with students at other schools. As technology progresses I think technology will be used in almost all lessons, the use of textbooks will become obsolete as students will be able to access these resources online, and a technology class will be required for all students on all grade levels.
