Week 1

1. It is only right that the definition of the field of Instructional Design and Technology modified over time, as the technology itself changes. We must be open-minded to change due to the ever-changing nature of the field. I feel that the only boundaries to the field are the boundaries of a closed mind. The various modifications to the definition, over the years, were very interesting, and I agreed with each one successively until finally reaching the current definition. As my mind opened to changes, so did the definition. While the one used by the authors of the text is very thorough, the 2006 AECT definition is complete yet simplified.

Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources.  

My definition would not vary much from this. I was very pleased to see the addition “ethical practice” to the 2006 definition.  With all things educational, especially technology, ethical practice is a crucial component.  In addition, “ facilitate learning” is an important key. In my Special Education classroom I have to continually assess whether how or what I am teaching is facilitating my students learning.  My students have a myriad of issues and are quite literally on many different levels even though they are in the same grade.  I regularly teach one concept numerous ways to cater to their various levels and learning styles.  It would seem that everything we do, we do to “improve performance,” but I like the way the authors’ intent was that our goal should not be just teaching knowledge, but to teach our students how to “apply” what they have learned. The three terms “creating, using, and managing” are broad enough terms to encompass the processes we use to teach.  I thought it was interesting that the authors did not emphasize the word “appropriate” in the definition.  Above all we must teach what is appropriate for the level of development of our students.  Finally, “technological resources” refers to all of the various hardware and software that are tied to the field.  If I have to put it in my own words I would have to say that my definition of Instructional Design and Technology is the use of all relevant technologies added to already accepted teaching processes that will assist my students in applying knowledge learned to real-life situations. 

    2.  

Stage 1: Identify Instructional Goals

Stage 2: Conduct Instructional Analysis

Stage 3: Identify Entry Behaviors and Learner Characteristics

I added the next step because in Special Ed all lessons are based on IEP goals.

Stage 4: Write Performance Objectives (TEKS) from Students’ IEP Goals

Stage 5: Develop Criterion-Referenced Test Items

I added this stage because I try to use various technologies as often as possible. I have to make sure that I have everything I need to use a technology before I develop a lesson.

Stage 6: Identify Available Resources

Stage 7: Develop Instructional Strategy and Select Materials

Stage 8: Develop and Conduct Formative Evaluation

I added this stage because in Special Ed I find it necessary to back up and reteach sometimes. My kids have various memory issues. We have to assume basic knowledge mastered in previous IEP’s when analyzing in Stage 3.  Many times I can just go back and add a mini-lesson to re-introduce the basis for a concept, but sometimes after formative evaluation I have to completely alter the lesson to go back to teach the entire concept from the beginning.

 Stage 9: Develop New or Revise Instructional Strategy and Reteach

Stage 10: Develop and Conduct Summative Evaluation 

3.   I believe that teaching with the use of technology is extremely important at the earliest grade-levels in order for our students to keep up with advancements and leave school prepared to compete in this high-tech world.  I fear, however, that because resources are scarce, our schools cannot keep up with the advancement of technology.  In many school districts, technology budgets have been reduced as the economy has more difficult.  One teacher I know has asked parents for their old cell phones, with full keyboards, and chargers.  Her students can practice spelling words by typing them onto the phone and they check each others’ phones when done. The kids absolutely love it!  I fear that throughout all stages of education, PreK through Continuing Adult Education, resources will determine the amount of technology used in the classroom. Creativity, like my friend used, will definitely help.