Week 1: Defining the Field

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

·         The text defines:  “Instructional design and technology encompasses the analysis of learning and performance problems, and the designs, development, implementation, evaluation, and management of the instructional and non-instructional processes and resources intended to improve learning and performance in a variety of settings, particularly educational institutions and the workplace…” (pg.7) 

·         The textbook has an overwhelming, complex definition of instructional technology.  In my opinion, the definition of instructional technology is to incorporate technology in the educational curriculum by designing, managing, and evaluating the instructional process to benefit students’ learning.

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.

·         After analyzing the Dick, Carey and Carey model, I have decided to delete these two boxes: Write performance objectives and Design and conduct formative evaluation of instruction from the model of instructional design.

·         The newly modified design adheres to all the six characteristics of instructional design. 1). Instructional design is learner centered by analyzing learners and context the learner is still the main focus of the design. 2.) Instructional design is goal oriented by assessing the needs to identify goals then the needs of the students should be meet and addressed. 3.) Instructional design focuses on meaningful performance by developing assessments instruments such as paper based test to measure the performance of the learners. 4.) Instructional design assumes outcomes can be measured in a reliable and valid way by developing an authentic assessment instrument to measure performance. 5.) Instructional design is empirical, iterative, and self-correcting which by the constant revision process to achieve the utmost results. 6.) Instructional design typically is a team effort because for the successful implementation of this model from administration, teachers, librarian, paraprofessionals should work to as a team for the benefit of students.

·         This fit perfectly with the media specialist responsibilities.  I have opportunities to collaborate with my co workers to co-teach with them certain units as requested by the teachers.  I have to assess the needs of my teachers and their students, ensures that my collaboration with the teacher benefits the students, if not, then we will have to go back to the drawing board.  Assessment of our students is conducted by the teacher.  In order for the collaboration effort to successfully benefit the students, we have to work as a team.

3.)    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 foresee technology being used in the future in the following areas: K12 Education, Higher Education and Adult Education (continuing education)?

·         K12 Education:  Technology is a vital role in the educational curriculum arena.  Students have tremendously improved their computer skills because they access to computers in the classroom.  Educational software motivates students to learn better than the traditional paper and pencil method.  In additional, the implementation of students has changed the way teachers teach their students because I have witnessed that technology helps makes the lessons more interactive and engaging for all students.  I foresee that textbooks will be phased out soon because of the introduction of handheld devices that students can access seven textbooks in the palm of their hands.

·         Higher Education: Technology has provided many students, like me, a quality college education at the convenience of my home.  The technology of webcam and other website, such as Skype, students and professors will have the opportunity to “meet” during their class meeting.  Students can have access to video tutorials and other self learning modules.

·         Adult Education:   I think the same technologies from Higher Education apply to Adult Education as well.