Instructional Technology

The definition of instructional technology has changed since the 1920’s when film, pictures and lantern slides (Reiser and Dempsey, p. 7) intertwined itself into society. It was considered to be visual aides. During the 1960’s and 1970’s, the term “design” became part of the definition and the focus turned to learning instead of instruction (Reiser and Dempsey, p. 8). The 1990’s revised the definition to include theory, development, management and evaluation (p. 10). According to Reiser and Dempsey, today the term instruction technology should be instructional design and technology (p. 12), to include performance technology. Over all, this field has gone from educational film to incorporating psychology, computer science, communications, education and art into educational instruction (Dept. of Instructional Technology).

So much for the mumbo jumbo. To me, instructional technology is a way to enhance learning and engage students through interactive experiences and problem solving using multimedia. Not only does instructional technology involve the students, the students become more responsible for their learning and more prepared for the work force. And it’s just plain fun.

Instructional Design

According to Dick, Carey and Carey, instructional design is an umbrella term that includes analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation processes (p. 4). These processes are based on theories of learning. Reiser and Dempsey describe instructional design as a system of procedures for developing education and training programs (p. 17).

The future of instructional design seems to be heading in the direction that medicine took: specialization or generalization. This field is growing at such a rapid rate that designers can not keep up with all the areas needed in today’s society. Therefore, according to Douglas Leigh, designers will focus on instruction as consultants or aligned with managerial activities.

I feel that instructional design is the process of determining a need for instruction, developing and delivering the instruction in a way that the learner is engaged and successful in obtaining knowledge.

Professional Standards

The NETS for Teachers PreKindergarten through 12^th grade standards best suits my needs at this time. I still enjoy teaching to younger students and plan to stay in the classroom for a while longer. Someday, I would like to develop curriculum and projects that incorporate technology.

References

Department of Instructional Technology. A definition of instructional technology. Online http://students.itec.sfsu.edu/itec865/text.va/prospects/definition.html

Dick, W., and Carey, L. (2001). The systematic design of instruction (5^th edition). New York, Longman.

Leigh, D. A brief history of instructional design. Online http://www.pignc-ispi.com/articles/education/brief%20history.htm

Gruwell, Stephanie. What is instructional technology? Online http://www.arches.uga.edu/~sgruwell/page2.html

Reiser, Robert A. and Dempsey, John V. (2002). Trends and issues in instructional design and technology. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, Merrill Prentice Hall.