#1 As I read through the many definitions and names for instructional design and technology in our textbook, I noticed how the meanings changed as technology improved throughout the years. My own definition reflects the same pattern because my understanding as a new teacher is limited. I initially viewed instructional technology as a tool that enhances learning through a process of planning, organization and implementation. I currently use technology for solutions to make teaching easier. For example, I teach reading to students who are auditory learners and I have them listen to audio books to connect to their specific learning style. I expect my perspective to evolve as my knowledge increases throughout this course.
#2 The Dick, Carey and Carey model relates to my definition of instructional design because my plans for using technology are centered on the learning needs of my students, I analyze through assessments and I revise my curriculum as I evaluate the effectiveness of my strategies. However, I would revise the current plan to add concrete areas for teamwork through collaboration. The current areas that teamwork would be important are in analyzing learners, assessing the needs of students and in every stage of revising. Having the input of others in instructional design will allow me to have a different perspective on how to better assist my students and provide me with new resources.
The Dick, Carey and Carey Model:
Is learner centered- Focuses on the student’s learning by analyzing their needs to develop instruction.
Is goal oriented- Sets instructional goals according to the needs of students.
Does focus on meaningful performance- Allows for setting performance objectives that should be changed if needed for the development of instruction.
Does assume outcomes can be measured in a reliable and valid way- Assessments are included in this plan and instructional strategies and materials are chosen as a result of the outcomes.
Is empirical, iterative and self correcting- Provides an opportunity for instructional stages to be altered, if needed, during every stage of its development.
Team effort- This model does not directly state that a team effort is necessary to be implemented, but its components can be most effectively utilized through collaboration.
#3 I am excited about the benefits of using the internet and World Wide Web as a student in higher education, a teacher in K12 education and a lifelong student who will constantly utilize adult education resources. In K12 education, technology is mostly used to present information to students. Even though there are great improvements compared to the days of overhead projectors, there are still ways that technology can be used more effectively. I would like to see students in K12 utilize technology that can encourage more communication between the teacher and student. For example, whiteboards allow students to use technology to solve problems as their teacher works with them at the same time. Google-docs will allow students to work with each other to finish projects together online without having to physically meet at a library. In higher education, I really like the idea of using social networking avenues such as blogging to collaborate and learn from each other. Using webcams to actually see each other on occasion during online classes would also be effective in higher education to eliminate the feeling of disconnect that can be evident in this type of class. Adult education has been greatly increased through technology. Instead of reading a how-to book in a library or ordering a dvd, I could have immediate access to needed material online or read the book with a Kindle. Even Youtube has been beneficial in allowing adults to access new learning material. My main goal for the future of instructional technology is to get the same feeling of communication that I would get from face to face contact. I have placed a video below that highlights Salaman Kahn. He is an innovative gentleman who started creating videos to tutor his cousin online while he was on the other side of the world. He makes wonderful videos about everthing from math to science. His work has been praised by Microsoft's Bill Gates and is a great example of how technology can be further utilized to improve learning in K12, higher education and adult education.
