I think it appropriate, for me at least, that our first assignment for this class is to define the field; this happens to be very similar to the assignment I have been given by my campus principal. At our elementary school, where I happen to be librarian, we are working to decide exactly what role technology should play in instruction, and how best to facilitate learning through technology.
Our text for this class defines the concept of educational technology (p. 6) in the following manner:
"Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources."
I like this definition; it seems to sum up the field nicely, however, I am learning, through my classes and practical experience, that the role technology plays in learning is defined by many variables. Budget, time constraints, teacher knowledge, teacher motivation, among other things, seem to be the factors that most determine how instructional technology shapes learning, if at all.
It will be interesting to see if this class helps me formulate a plan for how best to facilitate learning through technology on our campus.
Instructional Design:
The Dick, Carey, and Carey model of instructional design leads us through these steps:
- Needs assessment to identify goals
- Conduct instructional analysis and analyze learners
- Write performance objectives
- Develop assessment instruments
- Develop instructional strategy
- Develop and select instructional materials
- Develop and conduct formative evaluation of instruction, followed by summative evaluation
- (Revising as needed)
I believe this model addresses all of the six characteristics of instructional design. It is learner centered. It sets goals or objectives very early in the process, and it evaluates outcomes in a reliable and measurable way. Further, it allows for revision at any stage along the process. Although this model could be followed by an individual, I believe it would be much more effective, and definitely more practical, if it were a team effort among educators.
This model is very close to what we are actually doing on our campus right now. I would say we are currently in step three now, writing performance objectives.
Technology in Education:
Although we have numerous technology tools to aid in teaching, I believe that instructional technology can only be as strong as the educators themselves. I know there is an infinite number of ways to use technology in learning, but until we have teachers that are up to speed on how, and when, and for what purpose, to use these tools, students will not benefit from it.
That is not to say that those teachers who are not utilizing technology are bad teachers; I think most of them simply haven't been shown how to use technology with their students. Many of the teachers in classrooms today have been teaching for many years, while much of the instructional technology available today has been developed only in the last few years. I believe it is up to individual school districts to make sure that teachers are up to speed in this area.
