Defining the Field

1.            Reflect on the definitions the book has provided and develop your own definition as it relates to your work environment.

In the beginning there was instructional media, which for the first half of the 2oth century was the focus of educational technology. As the 6o’s approached the focus began to be placed on the process in which it was to be designed and implemented. This lasted through the 70’s up to the 90’s when cognitive and constructivist learning theories began to influence on the design practice. Process was still the key during but it also became an area of research and study. The latest definitions to come out include all the previous but go further by help learners apply the new skills and knowledge rather than just acquire inert knowledge. I personally liked the definition the authors gave for naming their book. It should be called Instructional Design and Technology. The two are linked. You really cannot and should not have one without the other. There can be no plan or process to create if you don’t have the media and vice versa. I don’t currently teach (although I hope to one day) so I have never had the opportunity to see or implement a media plan.

2.            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.

I believe it should start as a circle because in order to be successful the beginning goals and objectives have to be attained.

3.            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?

Currently there are many facets of technology being used in education. The first would be the personal computer itself. Almost every classroom has one and there are some schools that every student has one. Videos are still used, but now they are streaming and can be watched virtually anytime and almost anywhere. Students are encouraged to use the internet for projects such as webquest. This will most likely mean that text books will be a thing of the past. Museums libraries are still popular, but more and more are going online. You can take virtual tours or read a book online instead of leaving the classroom. In higher education online classes are increasingly more popular over traditional classroom, which I believe is going to one day decrease the amounts of students who leave home to pursue their education. Adults also benefit from online courses, which mean they can take the classes they need and still work a full time job to provide for their families. The possibilities are truly endless.