Defining the Field

The definitions in the text book reflect our views and resources for the time periods that they affected.  I think that today the definition, Instructional Design and Technology the authors have developed, fits better because it includes the focus of improving human performance in the workplace.  This allows for us to analyze where learning and performance problems occur so that we, as educators, can focus our attention on designing, developing, implementing, evaluating, and managing both the instructional and non-instructional processes, using resources that can improve learning and performance in the workplace.  This definition recognizes both aspects of the field: The use of media for instructional purposes and the use of systematic instructional design procedures.  By focusing on both aspects, educators' efforts to improve human performance in the workplace can be realized.

As a technology teacher in public school, this definition of the field reminds me that my first undertaking is to design instruction that is relevant to the times so our students can compete in the global economy; and secondly, to implement technology resources in everyday occurrences.  Technology should not be viewed as a trend or a toy to occupy the mind for the moment but should be viewed as an extension of who we are and what we do.  Whether it pertains to communication or creativity, all students should be proficient with the knowledge and resources they have at hand.

Instructional Design

I had trouble understanding the Dick, Carey and Carey model of Instructional Design.  First off, I couldn’t find where it started or ended and I believe that the model should start and end with the student.  I also don’t think a linear design is right for group/teamwork.  I believe the teacher should guide and facilitate the learning process with the team creating the strategies to produce the desired outcome. 

In class, the students are creating "How To" videos to publish on My Big Campus (MBC).  They have chosen their producers and become production teams.  They decide on how they want to create the videos either in Powerpoint or Movie Maker.  They also decide if they want to use screen shots, still shots, animations, video clips, background music, or narration.

My requirements for Assessment are:
1.  The finished product must be understandable and easy to follow.
2.  Each team member must have a clear understanding of their job.
3. The job must have a deadline of no more than 5 days.

How the Internet and World Wide Web Influence Education

In K-12 public education, Instructional Films are used daily to stimulate interest in many subjects. I personally like the Discovery Education website and the films that are available to use as teaching aides.  As for Audiovisual Instruction, I think it is best used both ways.  Teachers use it to present information in a dynamic understandable way; while students use it to create presentations and demonstrations of the knowledge they have learned.  With Portals like My Big Campus, students are able to publish their work and receive feedback from their peers.  The e-Portfolio has recently become a very important tool for documenting student skills and achievements. In the near future, with the help of the Internet and the World Wide Web, students will be able to self-publish books, produce music videos, design documentaries, thereby creating a new form of economic freedom.  By producing and learning from Instructional videos and television, students have a better understanding of how stuff works.  No longer are only the wealthy educated.  Today, all students, young and old, have the advantage of learning in their own time, on their own schedules. In most schools, Computers are in every classroom and some students have a laptop or ipad to use for class work.  In my classroom, we have 24 computers, 4 laptops, 4 flatbed scanners, 2 digital cameras, 1 document camera, 2 projectors, a voice lift microphone system and surround sound speakers.  The files for the lessons are stored on flash drives and the students use those to retrieve and save their work.  Today, I asked permission for my Informational Technology students to create a classroom Blog.  Because of the need to protect our children, public school officials are still nervous about allowing students to create and maintain information stored on the World Wide Web, even though the state of Texas requires that we teach our students about the dangers of the Internet and guide them so they know what is and what is not real.

In higher education and adult education I believe a revolution has occurred.  With online classes available, baby boomers have returned to school in the thousands.  The convenience of being able to attend school, from your home office makes it easy to prioritize goals for the future.  I am over fifty years old and have recently begun my new career in Education.  I could not have done that without online instruction.