Section 7: New Directions for Instructional Design and Technology

The last section of your textbook discusses the concepts of distributed learning, reusability, rich media and the future of instructional design. Focus on the following for your post:

• From Chapter 28 locate 5 examples of distributed learning. You may pick and choose from the following list.

• Corporate distributed learning   Corporate learning uses its intranet for employees to do training.  This allows the employee to take the training when and where they need to.  It save the company millions of dollars they would need to spend to bring and house their employees to a training site.  A learning management system is used to track who has taken the training and what objectives were addressed. These online classes are developed in house or by outside providers which can reduce cost.  When I worked as an educational consultant, I had to do several trainings on the company intranet.  I remember one of the trainings was on “Sexual Harasment in the Workplace”.   The SyberWorks Training Center Learning Management System (LMS)/Learning Content Management System (LCMS) is a good example of a web-based training solution that manages and delivers employee training.            http://www.syberworks.com/  
• Academic distributed learning environments include establishes brick-and mortar institutions that have branched out into online learning and virtual institutions that have never provided onsite classes and have limited building space.  Universities are offering individual classes online, as well as, complete degrees.  It requires a great deal of planning, organization, and resources.  These online degree programs offer a complete “virtual campus” meaning there is an online registration system student services, such as advising, bookstore, library and financial aid.  The virtual universities without brick-and–mortar buildings rely on online resources.  And then there are the “hybrids” offering some on-site courses.  Although some academicians consider these commercial virtual universities substandard, many of these are gaining acceptance and receiving accreditation as institutes of higher learning.   Texas A & M Commerce is a great example of academic distributed learning as I will receive my Masters in Educational Technology with a certification in Library Science with all courses done online.   http://web.tamu-commerce.edu/
• Hybrid classes, also known as blended learning, blend face-to-face interaction such as in-class discussions, active group work, and live lectures with typically web-based educational technologies such as online course cartridges, assignments, discussion boards, and other web-assisted learning tools.  Hybrid courses appeal of busy working adults who want to complete their college-level education.  Some Penn State courses are taught completely online and are referred to as "Web courses."  Some courses have a significant online component and are referred to as "blended learning" or "hybrid courses." In addition, many courses are Web- or computer-enhanced and use technology classrooms.  Blended learning/hybrid courses combine Web and traditional classroom instruction (also referred to as "face-to-face" instruction). These courses are offered through resident instruction.       http://dus.psu.edu/handbook/webcourses.html#hybrid
• Virtual classes have “live” teachers that deliver instruction in a way that is not so different from a traditional classroom.   Instruction and feedback in all done online and can enable real-time voice interaction, whiteboard sharing, and breakout sessions to enhance a student's learning experience. This provides students an opportunity to interact with the teacher as well as classmates by oral and written communication. Many virtual study programs are mainly text based, using HTML, PowerPoint, or PDF documents. Any attempt to personalize the educational experience is essential in that students respond to personal attention and feedback. Today a wide range of instruction modes are available.  MoVIP, the state virtual school for Missouri, will be starting its 5^th year of offering virtual classes to Missouri students in grades K-12. MoVIP has transitioned to a tuition program offering classes to public, private and home school students.  Students take MoVIP classes for many reasons. Missouri students can now access advanced classes or foreign language classes on MoVIP that are not currently offered by their local school district. Some students take MoVIP classes to graduate early or to solve class scheduling problems; other students take advantage of the “foundation classes” offered for credit recovery. A number of Missouri students are not able to attend their local “brick and mortar” schools for medical reasons, or they are involved in special activities or are presently outside of the state.   http://www.movip.org/ 
• Free distributed learning is “educational or training experience that uses a variety of means, including technology, to enable learning” (textbook) that is offered at no charge.  A good example of this is the training modules offered by the K-12 Databases.  There are 5 online modules and print materials designed to support awareness, use, and integration of the resources included in the state funded K-12 Databases Program.  I was asked to do a training of teachers and later students to use the online databases.  I was able to take the training a present several very successful training sessions.  Going through the training modules gave me the knowledge and confidence do this.              http://web.esc20.net/k12databases/get_training.html 

• Chapter 29 discusses the concept of reusability. Think back over the courses you've had over your educational career and identify one with poor reusability characteristics. Explain how the course could be redesigned to improve reusability without changing the underlying content.                                                                                                                                                      The class that I think of with poor reusability characteristics would have to be LIS 515 Cataloging and Classification.  I chose this course because the resources cannot be used multiply times in multiply ways and in multiply contexts.  MARC records can only be used with library books.  Part of the class was developing MARC records.  I believe the course could redesign to improve reusability by creating a template that was completed to see exactly what was needed to create a MARC record. I do not think this would change the underlying content, but let students see what the tags must have to make a good MARC record.  These templates could be used throughout a librarian’s career.                      

• Chapter 30 takes a look at using rich media. Find or create a visual for instruction describing its surface and functional features.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 I recently had a second grade teacher come to the library requesting some books and materials on the water cycle.  I was able to find several books and this online video for her to use with her students.  Many young students are visual learners and this video might help them better understand steps in the water cycle.  It was the surface features of this video that first drew me to view this video.  The functional features and its simplistic animation showing the water cycle make this video an effective teaching tool to use in a second grade classroom.  I also like that there is no sound with this video so the teacher can explain how the water cycle works.                                      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWe1BQWGv18   

• Chapter 31 discusses the future of instructional technologies in the near future from metadata to nanotechnology. Describe how nanotechnology could be used to improve a specific job or task you are familiar with.               Nanotechnology is sometimes referred to as a general-purpose technology.  That's because in its advanced form it will have significant impact on almost all industries and all areas of society.  It will offer better built, longer lasting, cleaner, safer, and smarter products for the home, for communications, for medicine, for transportation, for agriculture, and for industry in general(Wikipedia).  With that said, the elementary school library will undergo many changes in the next few years.  I think they will follow the higher education route.  Information will be extracted from online databases as many schools are using today, but in a larger scale.  Textbooks and library books will be downloaded to reading devices.  Librarians will see many changes in the library in the future and they need to be prepared for it.  

 

• And finally! Chapter 32 provides two points of view on the direction of the field - the straight and narrow road and the broad and inclusive road. Which point of view do you agree with and why?                                                                               Both points of view for the direction of the future in the field of instructional design and technology “share a common goal of understanding and supporting effective instruction and appropriate use of learning technologies” (textbook p. 342).  The goal is the same for both roads “designing and using technologies/resources to improve learning and performance” (Table 32.1).   However, the way to accomplish the goal is very different, one being “strait and narrow” and the other being “broad and inclusive”.   I feel the broad and inclusion road allows more opportunities in professional growth, research, methods of sharing and work.  These will than lead to additional opportunities to create and find resources.  The broad and inclusive road can offer an advantage in discovering innovations to adapt and move forward.  And yes I want to say as Robert Frost said, “I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference”.

Section 6: Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at It

Section 6 of your textbook focuses on how to get a job in the profession of instructional design. These rules can also apply to educational technology as well since the two are so intertwined.

• Chapter 24 takes a look at lessons learned from the chapter's author for obtaining a position in instructional design. Take a look at a few of the sources provided for job openings from lesson 1 and search for at least 3 positions that are of interest to you. Describe the general nature of the positions and list the skills required for the job. Do you have these skills?      

1.     Sales Training and Instructional Design Specialist with International Cruise & Excursions, Inc. (ICE). 

In this position, you will work closely with SMEs to develop and build innovative and engaging e-learning solutions. We’ll look to you to analyze business needs; design and implement e-learning and blended learning resources; assist with sales content and curriculum development; troubleshoot e-learning access and performance issues; and provide training to managers, instructors and end-users.
The Sales Training and Instructional Design Specialist designs, delivers, evaluates and continuously improves instructor-led programs as well as a variety of training curricula, activities, job aids and other learning materials. Topics range from sales skills to products and systems to soft-skills and Management and Leadership development. These professional development interventions are created to ensure that employees at all levels of the company develop the professional skills and competencies necessary to enhance job performance.  Bases pay  $50,000 - $55,000 a year

Job Requirements

Skills/ Requirements
• The candidate should possess intermediate to high proficiency of Microsoft Office applications especially Word, PowerPoint, and GoToMeeting
• Instructional design experience in both instructor-led and web-based learning is critical as well as experience interviewing and working with subject matter experts
• One to two years of online course design and development experience using one or more of the following tools: Articulate Studio 09, Adobe Captivate 3, Camtasia, Flash, SharePoint; Work examples required.
• Ability to edit and record audio and video presentations
• Knowledge of adult learning theory; Design interactivities using sound adult-learning principles
• Strong decision maker with project ownership capabilities
• Proven on-time project delivery in a demanding environment with high customer-satisfaction; Ability to assess priorities, multi-task and work with tight deadlines.
• Schedule flexibility
• Excellent written and spoken English language skills, including proper spelling and punctuation
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
• Detail oriented
• Sound human relations skills and analytical skills are necessary for dealing with diverse audiences.
• Ability to learn new eLearning tools quickly
• An eye for visually appealing design a plus

 Position Description:
Leads and manages all phases of small to large-size instructional design and communications development projects in support of Clinical Operations' business needs and organizational values. Uses standard instructional design processes, templates and guidelines to design, develop and maintain training materials within established timelines.

Primary Responsibilities:

·    Project Planning and Analysis

o    Interviews and consults with key business leaders and subject matter experts (SMEs).

o    Assess and interprets customer needs using pertinent facts and data. Performs complex conceptual analysis.

o    Creates project plan and ensures overall project is delivered on schedule and within scope

o    Communicates effectively to provide project status updates to supervisor, requester and other business leaders

o    Solves complex problems and develops innovative solutions.

·    Design/Development and Project Management

o    Works collaboratively with stakeholders to create and communicate overall training/communication approaches

o    Designs, develops and maintains materials such as manuals, participant guides, training updates, quick reference guides and communication independently. May also function as a project manager that leads/mentors a group of instructional designers to complete an assigned project.

o    Incorporates the use of varied delivery alternatives, including self-study, instructor-led, computer-based, web-enabled and other options. Develops innovative approaches.

o    Reviews the instructional design work of others; Provides mentoring of teammates and instructional design solutions/strategies.

·    Implementation Support and Measurement

o    Monitors and evaluates the impact of training and communications

o    Identifies ongoing and re-training needs and recommends solutions

o    Participates in internal continuous improvement efforts by offering ideas and creative solutions to improve policies, processes and tools.

Even though I do have many of the requirements need, I do not think I am qualified for this job because I do not have any experience in this field.

2.    Senior Instructional Designer with OptumHealth

In this position, you will perform within an innovative culture that's focused on transformational change in the health care system. You will leverage your skills across a diverse and multi-faceted business. And you will make contributions that will have an impact that's greater than you've ever imagined.

Primary Responsibilities:

·    Project Planning and Analysis

o    Interviews and consults with key business leaders and subject matter experts (SMEs).

o    Assess and interprets customer needs using pertinent facts and data. Performs complex conceptual analysis.

o    Creates project plan and ensures overall project is delivered on schedule and within scope

o    Communicates effectively to provide project status updates to supervisor, requester and other business leaders

o    Solves complex problems and develops innovative solutions.

·    Design/Development and Project Management

o    Works collaboratively with stakeholders to create and communicate overall training/communication approaches

o    Designs, develops and maintains materials such as manuals, participant guides, training updates, quick reference guides and communication independently. May also function as a project manager that leads/mentors a group of instructional designers to complete an assigned project.

o    Incorporates the use of varied delivery alternatives, including self-study, instructor-led, computer-based, web-enabled and other options. Develops innovative approaches.

o    Reviews the instructional design work of others; provides mentoring of teammates and instructional design solutions/strategies.

·    Implementation Support and Measurement

o    Monitors and evaluates the impact of training and communications

o    Identifies ongoing and re-training needs and recommends solutions

o    Participates in internal continuous improvement efforts by offering ideas and creative solutions to improve policies, processes and tools.

Requirements:

·    Bachelor's degree or a high school diploma/GED with at least 5 years equivalent experience.

·    5+ years of experience in instructional design, training, and adult learning theory and application.

·    Intermediate to advanced skill of Microsoft Office applications (Word and PowerPoint) which are primary development tools used to create training materials.

Assets:

·    MBA in Education preferred.

·    SharePoint experience.

·    WebEx experience.

·    Intermediate to advanced skills in any of the following: Flash, Captivate, Dreamweaver, Articulate Studio, Photoshop.

I do not think I am right for this job, as I do not have any experience in the field; however, this job is looking for a person with an educational background, not business.

3.     Senior Instructional Designer at Walgreens

This position is responsible for developing complex learning and development solutions independently and with direction. Responsible for collaborating with Sales Training staff to design and implement solutions. Position includes but is not limited to instructional design of e-learning programs, instructor-led courses, job aids, learning events, multimedia and blended learning solutions to enhance, improve or develop performance, behaviors and sales effectiveness.

Job responsibilities include:

• Researches, designs, develops, writes, implements, and evaluates complex learning programs for employees. Sets objectives, conducts needs analyses, and develops evaluation processes.
• Recommends instructional design approach and medium to Sales Training Managers.
• Acts as an internal consultant to the organization regarding the development and implementation of learning initiatives and solutions of a complex nature.
• Assists Sales Training management in business operations in the analyses of new and enhanced systems and processes for usability and efficiency recommendations.
• Recommends and designs means to measure the effectiveness of learning initiatives, evaluates and interprets the results.
• Participates in the design of classroom and train-the-trainer sessions.

Job Requirements

Basic Qualifications & Interests (BQIs)

• Bachelor’s degree and at least one (1) year experience in instructional design.
• Knowledge of human factor principles, and performance and process improvement methodologies.
• Experience using time management skills such as prioritizing/organizing and tracking details and meeting deadlines of multiple projects with varying completion dates.
• Experience developing and delivering presentations to various audience levels within an organization.
• Intermediate level skill in Microsoft Office 2003 or later: Word (for example: creating and modifying text styles, numbering and sorting lists, working with sections and columns, formatting tables, and using templates and using diagrams and drawing tools), Excel (for example: formatting text and borders of cells, working with workbooks and worksheets, using range names, referencing cells, sorting, and auto filtering) and PowerPoint (for example: creating presentations, adding and removing slides, entering and formatting text, applying design templates, modifying masters, inserting graphics and objects, creating handouts).
• Willing to travel up to 10% of the time for business purposes (within state and out of state).

I have many of these skills from working as an educational consultant for two educational technology companies.  I think I would apply for this job if I wanted to change fields.

• Remember that the field of instructional/educational technology is not just focused on education, but on business and industry as well. Look at the resources provided on page 258 in chapter 25 and select one of these links and complete the self assessment. What did you learn about yourself from the assessment?  

I used the workmatrix from Gabrielle Consulting.  I learned I want to stay in the Education field.  I want to teach, deliver, and train others; but step up to the next level of designing instructional models.  I am interested in the travel requirements as I do not want to do much traveling.  A high income growth is hopeful but, not probable being in the field education.  I also learned I need to gain some experience in this field before applying for a job.  Maybe as an internship or shadow someone.

 

The Gabrielle Consulting website is very informative.  The Examples tab has good information on communication skills, Dr. Gabrielli’s model for instructional design, search engine strategies, and presentation tips.

http://gabrielleconsulting.com/index.php

• Chapter 26 lists several websites for professional organizations and websites for professional publications. Visit 2-3 websites for professional organizations and 2-3 websites for the professional publications and address the following:
• Professional organizations:
• Mission
• Cost of membership
• Publications
• Conferences and meetings
• Opportunities for professional development
• Professional publications:
• Focus/Goals of the journal
• Submission guidelines
• Is this a peer reviewed journal?
• Is the journal online?
• How is the journal and organization useful to you and your career? Were you aware of the organizations/journals that you researched?

Professional Organization	International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)	Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)
Mission	The ISTE community is advancing excellence in learning and teaching through innovative and effective uses of technology.	The Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), founded in 1981, is an international, not-for-profit, educational organization with the mission of advancing Information Technology in Education and E-Learning research, development, learning, and its practical application.
Cost of Membership	Individual Memberships (U.S.) Premium: $219 Standard: $99 Retired Educator: $59 Student: $39	Professional Membership US $125, Non-US $145, Student Membership US $45, Non-US $65
Publications	Learning & Leading with Technology (L&L)	International Journal on E-Learning (IJEL); Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching (JCMST); Journal of Interactive Learning Research (JILR); Journal of Educational Media and Hypermedia (JEMH); Journal of Technology and Teacher Education; AACE Journal; CITE Journal
Conferences and Meetings	ISTE's annual conference and exposition(formerly NECC)	Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education International Conference; World Conference on Educational Media and Technology; World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education
Opportunities for PD	ISTE offers cutting-edge professional development, grounded in the NETS, and dedicated to improving teaching and learning in today’s PK–12 and higher education classrooms.  ISTE webinars offer just-in-time PD that you can participate in live with a group or on your own at a time that's convenient for you.	AACE Global U is a continually developing initiative intended to provide learning and professional development opportunities on the latest research, trends, and best practices related to learning and technology.
Usefulness	Yes, I was aware of ISTE.  ISTE is can keep you informed of new information in this field and the NETS are very important for teachers and students.  I have the NETS bookmarked and will need to refer to them. http://www.iste.org/	No I was not familiar with this organization.  AACE serves the profession with international conferences, high quality publications, leading-edge Digital Library, Career Center, and other opportunities for professional growth. I know I will read the publications and hope to go to a conference one day. http://www.aace.org/

Professional Publications	Electronic Journal for the Integration of Technology in Education	International Journal on E-Learning (IJEL)
Focus/Goals of the Journal	The journal features research findings, practical articles, book and software reviews, and commentary on topics of interest to those educators and others. The online format allows for the inclusion of multimedia elements as well. For more information, see the author guidelines page.	Advances in technology and the growth of e-learning to provide educators and trainers with unique opportunities to enhance learning and teaching in corporate, government, healthcare, and higher education. IJEL serves as a forum to facilitate the international exchange of information on the current research, development, and practice of e-learning in these sectors.
Submission guidelines	All submissions will be reviewed anonymously by the peer-review board.                                      Any references that identify the author in the text will be deleted from the manuscript for review purposes.                                All texts will be published as PDF files.                             Manuscripts should be sent as plain ASCII text, rich text, or as a Microsoft Word file.              Alternative formats will be considered upon request.                            Papers may be submitted via e-mail only.                       Submission should be sent to: Raybeve@isu.edu	All AACE journal manuscripts are peer-reviewed by at least two reviewers, and usually three reviewers, of the journal's international Editorial Review Board of experts in fields specifically matching the journal topics.                                Papers are reviewed, double-blind, in full publishable form; no journal manuscripts are accepted based only upon submission of an abstract. Reviewers are required to provide the author with comments intended to improve the content, style, and other issues which should improve the quality of the article.
Is this a peer reviewed journal?	Yes	Yes
Is the journal online?	Yes	Yes
Usefulness	No, I was not aware of this publication.  The journal features research findings, practical articles, book and software reviews, and commentary on topics of interest to those educators and others. The online format allows for the inclusion of multimedia elements as well. For more information, see the author guidelines page. The refereed journal is a product of the College of Education at Idaho State University.   Because it is online will be bookmark it and read it. http://ejite.isu.edu/	No, I was not familiar with this publication.  AACE's member journal is the focal point for AACE members to exchange information between disciplines, educational levels, and information technologies.  Its purpose is to stimulate the growth of ideas and practical solutions which can contribute toward the improvement of education through information technology.  This publication can be read online so I know I will read it. http://www.aace.org/pubs/ijel/

• Chapter 27 looks at competencies for instructional design and technology professionals. If you were responsible for identifying the domains, competencies, and performance statements for a performance technologist, what would they include and why?

Domains:

1.  Design

2.  Development

3.  Utilization

4.  Management

5.  Evaluation

Competencies: 

a. Focus on results and help clients focus on results

b. Look at situations systematically, taking into consideration the larger context including competing pressures, resource constraints, and anticipated change.

c. Add value in how you do the work and through the work itself

d. Use partnerships or collaborate with clients and other experts as required

e. Be systematic in all aspects of the process including:

 The assessment of the need or opportunity.

f. Be systematic in all aspects of the process including:

The analysis of work and workplace to identify the cause or factors that limit performance.

g. Be systematic in all aspects of the process including:

The design of the solutions or specification of the requirements of the solution.

h. Be systematic in all aspects of the process including:

The development of all or some of the solution and its elements.

i. Be systematic in all aspects of the process including:

The implementation of the solution.

j. Be systematic in all aspects of the process including:

The evaluation of the process and the results. 

I would include these domains and competencies for the reason that I do not have complete knowledge of this field. Using table 27.6 on page 280 from our text has helped me to get a better understanding of what is expected as a performance technologist.