Throughout chapter 1, Reiser discusses the evolution of defining Educational Technology. The definition has changed over the years, and with each change new ideas are being presented therefore it is appropriate to revamp the definition to accommodate the new changes.
Before taking any Educational Technology courses I was pretty ignorant to the true definition of EdTech. I always believed that it was the means, media, or resources used to ensure that students are mastering objectives being taught. After gaining knowledge on the subject I now know that there is much more to the true definition of Educational Technology. After reading the first chapter I would say that I understand and agree with the latest AECT definition.
"Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources." One word stood out to me after reading this definition and it was "facilitating". As teachers we (sometimes) want to revert back to the "stand and deliver" method of teaching. I may be wrong but to me this means that we should step back and allow students to work with their peers and allow them to explore and be there to facilitate and keep them on track.
2. Next, think of a lesson or unit of instruction that you have developed. Or if you haven’t ever taught or developed instruction, think of one that you have received. How does that lesson adhere or fail to adhere to the six characteristics of instructional design? How would you redesign it to better adhere to the six characteristics.
Each year my students do several research projects for Social Studies. One in particular is where students are allowed to work in a group or as an individual and choose a country that they are interested in. They have to research the country using various resources, and present their findings in multiple ways. When presenting their findings students are allowed to use poster board, create a powerpoint presentation, make a book or board game.When students are researching and working with their groups I would say that the lesson is student centered. I first teach my students how to research and then I allow them to create on their own. I would also say that my project is goal oriented. Before students began working on their own I explicitly state the goal for our project and give them multiple examples. One way I would redesign my lesson is to add various options for students to use technology to present their project to their peers. I found some fun ways to present their information that doesn't include the ole Powerpoint Presentation. I would teach students how to use letterpop.com to create a brochure or newsletter online, or to use ustream or animoto to present their findings through video.The sixth characteristic Instructional Design Typically is a Team Effort states that it is possible for a single individual to complete an ID project but usually it's a team effort. I normally do my projects and planning alone. This year all of my teammates teach their own Social Studies so one way to adhere to this characteristic would be to include them in the planning process and bounce various ideas off of one another. After all 2-3 heads are better than one!
3. In the 3rd chapter, Reiser distinguishes instructional media from instructional design, excluding teachers, chalkboards, and textbooks from the definition of instructional media. Why? Would you consider teachers, chalkboards, and textbooks instructional media? Is the purpose of instructional design to incorporate media into instruction? The first three chapters of your book define the IDT (Instructional Design and Technology) field and provide a history of how it has evolved over time. In your blog post for this week, reflect on the following:
I believe that Reiser excludes teachers, chalkboards,and textbooks from the definition of instructional media because he took on the view point that instructional media is defined as the physical means in which instruction is presented to learners. The physical means being visual media, instructional television and computers just to name a few. I think he was trying to prove that students can learn from different mediums other than teachers, chalkboards, and textbooks.
Based on the initial defintion given by Reiser and Gagne I believe that teachers, chalkboards, and textbooks are instructional media. It all depends on how the information is presented when using those mediums.
I don't think the purpose of instructional design is to incorporate media into instruction I believe it's the process or model used for instruction. However, I could be wrong.
I think this instructional design model is what we as instructional designers should use, It is similar to how we plan our lessons now. I would start with the analysis. In order to create a lesson that benefits your students you have to analyze your data that you have which is the fifth characteristic of instructional design. After you know what you need to teach or spiral in you can design ,develop, and implement your plan using which ever medium you choose. I think it's interesting that you evaluate at each step of the process. It's beneficial because sometimes no matter what step your in you may have to revise your plan. As teachers we know that sometimes students may not always understand the lesson the first time so you have to get creative in the way you reteach.
1. As a facilitator, instructional designer, or educational technologist the title means nothing without properly integrating technology to improve, empower, and enhance human performance. I understand why you might think that the "stand and deliver" method may have seen its better day. Instilling in your students to be independent learners and to be motivated to help their peers is reaching new leaps and bounds daily. Please continue to communicate to your kids daily to show them the importance of that face-to-face interaction.
ReplyDelete2. I like how you are using social studies research projects to build student-centered, goal-oriented, and team-centered work as they develop skills to teach one another. Bringing out the letterpop.com, animoto and ustream will help them design creatively and communicate with each team member in and out of class.
3. I like how you pointed out that Reiser was trying to prove that students can learn from different mediums other than teachers, chalkboards, and textbooks. Just using technology just for the sake of using it is not working.
The ADDIE model is a great tool because it makes you evaluate after each step so you can make sure the lesson is getting across to your listeners. If you need to reteach then you know what direction not to go in as your creative juices flow!
Tyeanna, I agree with your assessment that the definition of Educational Technology has changed over time to keep up with the changes in technology and the field in general. I also like the word facilitate. As a robotics coach I stand and deliver some needed information at the beginning of the year, but then the rest of the year I am the “Adult in the Room”. In this capacity I merely am there to help when asked and correct misunderstanding. I also watch that students are on task and focused on the goal and deadlines for completion. I find there is nothing more rewarding then the students being able to explore and fail to eventually be able to succeed.
ReplyDeleteYour Country Project sounds like it would be fun for the students; however I have a couple of questions. How do they know how their outcomes will be measured? Do you provide a rubric? Also is there a way for this assignment to have component do that you can gain data that can be measured on what they know. For example have them write down things they learned from the projects in a question form and then use those to create a Test that in practice the students created on their own.
You have an interesting take on why Reiser does not include teachers, chalkboards, and textbooks. I think that the teacher, chalkboard, and textbooks are always and in a way will always be part of the classroom. Although, we may in time see changes to all three from what we would think of them today. I also like your starting point for ADDIE as I think you must know where you are going before you try to get there but that it must also end at Analyze as you must analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of what you have done.
First I’d like to say I enjoyed your blog. Your comments were insightful and thought provoking. In the first section of our assignment I learned a lot about what instructional design really means. I am currently in a state of ignorance in all things EDTEC. Not surprisingly my definition consisted of: All creative materials to include various types of media and technology used to facilitate the learning environment. While reading our text I discovered the definition was more complex than I previously considered. It made sense though, essentially, designing the path of curriculum to achieve the goal of learning and maximize the learning experience. Comically, you could almost see the light bulb going off over my head. Another interesting point is the history of the profession. It’s not surprising early educators considered Skinner’s findings and used his research to enhance learning environments.
ReplyDeleteEducators as facilitators to learning may be the current direction of instruction today. I wasn’t surprised it was in the newest definition of instructional design. Instructors should be moving toward the role of guide in the learning process. The part of the new AECT definition I had issue with was the word ethics. Who’s ethics? Are they referring to each team of designers determining what the ethics of each curriculum should be? I am curious as to your thoughts in this area.
Your social studies class project sounds interesting and fun for the students. While your idea to incorporate more choices for students’ presentations will work well, be careful of having to use too much class time instructing where and how to find different sites and how to use their services.
Your viewpoint concerning why Reiser left out teachers, blackboards and textbooks was quite different from mine. However you made a good point. My line of thought considered the reason teachers are left out is because of their historic inputs to instructional design. I believed the author wanted to concentrate on newer additions brought about by the explosion in technology and the internet. It hadn’t occurred to me to see it as a way for students to learn without teachers through other media. I’m sure it happens every day, we are all constantly learning. Instructional design plans out a system of steps students are guided through to accomplish a learning goal. By default, I feel that keeps instructors as a critical part in the plan. I agree with you in that I believe teachers and textbooks to still be an integral part of educational design.