Section 7: New Directions in IDT

This section of the textbook addresses new directions and emerging technologies for IDT. Reflect on how you might apply each of the following in your current or future position in the IDT field:

Distributed or e-learning environments

E-learning is a major part of my growth and development at this time in my career. I participate it webinars, listen to podcasts, facilitate twitter chats and much more to continue to work toward my goals. In future positions, I feel e-learning will be a significant part of the process of educating teachers in the use educational technology field. The main reason for this will be budget concerns. As districts look to save money e-learning offers an effective way to reach many teachers on a limited budget. Another reason is for this is the benefit of learning in a social environment. Providing rich learning environments that promote networking and creative thinking will not only be cost-effective but also more productive than traditional training approaches. The key factor when designing these e-learning opportunities is to keep the focus on the learning and not the technology. In addition, it will be important to allow for autonomy in the technology teachers use to connect and learn from each other and to offer support for the various tools available to them.

Reusable design or learning objects

The crucial aspect of reusable design is “the ability to use the same resource multiple times in multiple ways and in multiple contexts.” This model of instructional design will be very important as school looks to do more with less money. Another key aspect learning objects provides is the ability to differentiate instruction to better meet the needs of all learners. In my future positions, I know learning objects will be an important part of the instructional design process. As I read the chapter it seemed that being organized and having the ability to search and find learning objects will be important to using them successfully. A thorough knowledge of the students who are using the objects as well as deep understanding of the intended outcomes will also factor into the success of using learning objects.

Rich media

Rich media is defined as “instructional programs that incorporate high-end media such as video, animation and audio.” It was noted that it is important to use a learner-centered approach rather than a technology-centered approach. This is something that I often see as an underlying issue when teachers look to incorporate any technology in learning. With rich media I was surprised to read that the research supports a more simple model of media versus a complex one. Thinking through how people learn using short and long-term memory it does make sense that a learner could be overwhelmed with rich media. As I look forward in my career this chapter will be an important reminder that sometimes simple is better and that novices tend to learn more from visual instruction. I do feel that rich media has a place in IDT but after reading the chapter that importance has diminished some.

Emerging instructional technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cybernetics, Web 2.0, virtual worlds, electronic games, etc.

Web 2.0 has had a significant impact on many of my CTE classroom teachers and for their students in the class. As a professional these tools have provided countless avenues for them to learn and grow in the field. We use Diigo, Facebook, Twitter, RSS Feeds, Blogs and more to keep up to date on technology and best teaching practices. Regardless my position in the education field I know these tools will continue to provide value to me in my learning process. Augmented reality is another new technology that is making a big splash in the education field. I feel AR will continue to grow in use as the capabilities are expanded. These technologies are exciting, engaging and productive and their use will continue to grow in the education field. Despite this, I know as I look forward it will be important to keep the focus on the learning and not get caught up in the tools themselves.

Section 6: Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at It

This section of your textbook focuses on jobs in the profession of instructional design and technology: lessons and tips on how to get one and organizations that can support the job search and continued learning in the IDT field. Many of you already have a job in the field or in a related field; however, based on this week’s readings, you’ll reflect on where you are, where you want to go, and what you need to learn or do to get there.

I am currently the coordinator of Career and Technical Education. This is my 13th year in the CTE arena. I was a former CTE teacher.  I am enrolled in the Educational Technology Leadership program at TAMC. My reasoning for joining the program is to give myself opportunities down the road possibly in the educational technology field. My long-term goal is to work towards a Director of Career and Technical Education position for a school district or similar position at district office. I do not have any immediate plans when I graduate, but I have started the process of looking for the perfect opportunity in case it presents itself.

It is important that I continue to learn more about the IDT process so that I can be in a position to make the big decisions required of a Director of CTE.  Being a CTE director requires the director to make large technology purchases using local and Perkins funds. Also the job is to support the CTE teachers to use technology with best practices. To get to that level of understanding, I need more experience supporting teachers and districts in the use of technology. My hope is to continue working with teachers at the district level (or broader) to be more effective in using technology to enhance learning. I speak often about the importance of relationships in success and I know I need to continue to grow in my ability to build those relationships with colleagues. To do this I hope to learn more about motivation, support and human performance technology.

What organizations would best support your continued learning after you graduate? Do you think you would benefit from joining those organizations before graduating? 

Currently I am a member of ISTE and TCEA. I believe these organizations are important to my continued growth in the field. However, it takes more than just being a member of these organizations to get the full benefit they offer. It is important to also read their publications, attend the conferences and submit proposals to present. The main benefit I see from these organizations is the network of professionals I have had the privilege of connecting with. These connections will be valuable as I move into new positions in the future. I know the network that I have created will continue to provide value as I move forward.