Blog Reflection Week 2

1. Reflect on the definitions the book has provided and develop your own definition as it relates to your work environment.

Educational technology to me is the process of implementing technology into every part of the educational process to improve learning and performance. Our text describes an early definition as “the enrichment of education through the ‘seeing experience’ (p. 3).”  Teachers can use technology to design, develop, implement, evaluate, and manage instruction, as well as, for administrative duties.  Teachers can utilize technology to differentiate between the students different learning styles.  Technology can enrich student learning and ret each objectives.  Being in the library gives me many opportunities to instruct and engage the students in the use of technology. The use of databases, the search for information, and more give me the opportunity to create, use, and manage the appropriate technological processes and resources the students need.  

2. Next, study the Dick, Carey and Carey model of instructional design. Redesign the model excluding and/or adding components as needed. Describe how the model adheres to the six characteristics of instructional design and how it fits in your work environment relating to your definition of instructional design.

After studying the Dick, Carey, and Carey model of instructional design, I saw some similarities with the six characteristics of instructional design (ID).  The ID process is “learner centered” which is in line with Dick, Carey and Carey’s model.  In their model it continuously loops around to the learner.  The ID process is “goal oriented” which follows the Dick, Carey and Carey’s model part “assess needs to identify goals.”  “Meaningful performance” part of ID is an important piece in Dick, Carey and Carey’s model in revise instruction.   Dick, Carey and Carey’s model also wants the outcome measured in a valid and reliable way in the in the final step.  A characteristic of ID of self-correcting is not found in Dick, Carey and Carey’s model; however, it does offer the opportunity for those needed corrections to be made.  Dick, Carey and Carey’s model could be used in a team setting, but it is not solely for that purpose. 

The use of this model would work fine in the library when developing lessons for teaching fifth graders the Dewey Decimal System.  I could plan a “Book Scavenger Hunt” where teams would take a category or two and be asked to locate several books in the library using their knowledge of the DDS.  They would need to use the OPAC (library’s online database).

3. And finally, in chapter 3, there is discussion on how the internet and world wide web will have a major influence on the way instruction is delivered to learners. Based on what you know about these technological innovations combined with what you have read about the history of instructional films, television, the computer and more, discuss how technology is generally used in the field of education and how you foresee technology being used in the future in the following areas: K12 Education, Higher Education and Adult Education (continuing education). For example, think about how we are using the blog to capture learning in higher education. How could it be used in K12?

The use of technology is increasing daily for all of us. Reputable Universities and Community colleges have taken advantage of the increased use of the Internet by putting programs online.  A person can now complete their master’s degree all online.  That is amazing to me.  People are so busy with their lives today, can now do their work online anytime and anywhere. In the last couple of years this aspect of the universities has exploded.  I see it growing even more.  Distance learning is another area using technology in education that is growing.  Teachers in specific fields are getting harder to find.  This would give districts that could not afford a specific teacher to share them with other distances.  This would save money and give more students the opportunity to take the classes. 

I do think textbooks will soon be completely online, so students will have to have some sort of portable device such as a laptop or iPad.  I think school libraries will see big changes with eReaders becoming so popular. The development of Web 2.0 tools is offering educators more ways to communicate. Teachers’ blogs have more and more followers.  Teachers in the same fields may share ideas and lessons easier. I am currently reading a book entitled The Book Whisper.  This Texas sixth grade reading teacher started blogging about her days in the classroom and teaching reading.  She later turned her blog into a book.  I hope instruction will become more project-based learning. This will help students learn and use problem-solving skills. Technology will continue to grow and change education.  I think for the better.