Week 2: Chapters 1 - 3

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

The early definitions of instructional technology allowed me to see how the definition has evolved over time and what parts are still relevant and used today. I think what I found the most interesting is how the meaning of instructional technology is perceived by others, including myself when I first started this program, mainly as instructional media dealing with hardware and software. I have learned through my course studies that it is much more and it will be interesting to see how instructional technology is defined twenty years from now.

My definition as it relates to my environment is finding new ways to apply and learn with technology as it relates to the course curriculum in order to enhance the learning experience and develop lifelong skills.



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.

My Instructional Design model can be found here:


https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0BxhgMtetY4HmMzViMGY2NmQtNDU4MS00MDhmLWIwZTAtYzJjMjhmYjBlOWFm&hl=en

I made some revisions to the Dick, Carey and Carey model by excluding and adding some of my own components with regard to the six characteristics of instructional design.

For the most part I agreed with the Dick, Carey and Carey model and felt that in my work environment it is pretty much the same with the exception of:

I combined the goals and objectives sections because based on my experience in the teaching field, the objectives I established often were the same as my goals. Once my objectives were established it set the pace on how I planned to proceed with the lesson or project and what expectations I have.

I also combined collaboration, implementation and assessment in order to go along with the team effort and measurable outcomes characteristics. It did not appear that the Dick, Carey and Carey model reflected this so I included this in my model because the learning experience is typically enhanced when there is some team work involved, it is often beneficial when teachers can also work together on assignments or projects such as thematic units. Students often gain a greater understanding of the lesson and can see how it relates to other subject areas.



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?

Technology is often used in the field of education as a learning tool or way to help enhance the learning experience. In the future I see technology being used as a way for students, teachers and parents to stay connected to what students are being taught in and out of the classroom. Over the last few months it has become apparent that there is a huge push for upgrading and implementing technology at the high school level. More high schools are looking into adding virtual classrooms and offering more dual credit courses in order to give students more course options to prepare them for college. In some cases students will be entering college as sophomores instead of freshmen due to amount of courses they will be able to complete online during their high school years.

I have also noticed some teachers are really thinking outside the box regarding ways to use technology in the classroom. Many are finding new or different ways to incorporate some form of technology into their classroom, the one I found most fascinating was a teacher who used Skype to communicate with one of his home bound students as a way to include her in his classroom. I have also heard about students using Skype as a way to help tutor other students.

In Higher education, I think some instructors are a little slow at using technology than others, but the same can be said of some teachers in general. I think in higher education it would be interesting for college classrooms to be able to communicate with other campuses or classrooms and be able to exchange or share ideas. I have also heard about campuses using virtual worlds to teach. I think that would be really interesting to see although I have no clue about virtual reality I think it would fun to learn in that type of environment.

As for adult education I believe it is important that adults stay current with what is going on in technology. After being out of school for so long I never realized how truly behind I was with technology. What an eye opener! I think it is important to be able to maintain your computer or technology skills so that they do not become outdated. With technology constantly changing it is so important to keep up with what is available and not allow your skills to lapse. More companies need to be aware of what is available as well, because they are limiting their business.

I also think technology needs to be utilized and presented in more professional development programs and workshops. Recently I noticed a technology workshop that was completely online and thought what a great idea. Although I enjoy the personal interaction when I participate in seminars or workshops, I wondered what it would be like to participate in a completely online workshop. I did not get the opportunity to see this time around but I will keep a look out for the next one.