1. The definitions in the first chapter seem to
compare with pieces of what I believed my own definition was. Educational
Technology is something I believe that has educational value with the use of
technology devices such as computer, laptops, PC tablets and any other device
that can connect to the internet. After reading the definitions throughout the
first chapter I can see how the field changes and therefore the definition
changing with it. Even though I seldom think about the systematic process,
technology if delivered correctly has a n educational value that helps prepare
our future generation to keep up and compete in this global technology
economics of today and the future to come. The experiences that I'm having with
my graduate courses have helped shape a better definition of what educational
technology is and that a device alone does not constitute as a benefit in an
educational setting if it does not blend well with the material being learned.
I really can't say that my definition has changed because I understand that as
people we are learning something every day but it has been extended with a
better understanding of its foundation and origination.
2. Throughout my years of college I have experienced some good and bad
instructional designed courses and that is just an opinion on my behalf but for
the most part they all have been a learning process that will help me develop a
universal curriculum that reaches all type of learning styles and not just one.
I really can't pin point any one lesson or unit that I have received that would
or wouldn't adhere to all six characteristics of instructional design but I can
assume that those lessons and units go through on going changes to keep up with
the variety of learners that change throughout the years.
3. Reiser has understood that the history of Instructional Media has
always changed and developed into something new and more innovative to enrich
the interest in learning. As the years had passed instructional media has
changed from museums to visual & films, to audiovisual & radio, to
television and computers. Instructional media has always found a way to grow
and change and this is what distinguishes its self apart from instructional
design. It is a delivery method to present learners with instruction other than
the teacher, chalkboard and textbooks. Instructional design blends both
instructional medium and media together with each six characteristics being a
guide to develop consistent and reliable education programs.
Aaron. You hit the nail on the head with the following statement, “if technology is delivered correctly, it has an educational value that helps prepare our future generation to keep up and compete in the global technology economics of today.” I think the crucial part of this statement is “if technology is delivered correctly.” Which to me means we are not using educational technology as a tool for the teacher, but as a device for student learning and exploration. I think too many times we are provided with great resources within our schools and we don’t take full advantage of them. For example: last year every teacher at my school were given an iPad to use in the classroom. We were not told how we could use it. Most teachers chose to use the iPad as their own personal device. I do not think that is what they were intended for. Yes, we only had one per classroom, but some teachers found ways to make the iPad interactive with lessons. I think all educators need to start remembering that our lessons should always be student centered. Students should be given the opportunity to do their own exploration and learning with the teacher stepping back a little bit and becoming the facilitator.
ReplyDeleteAaron, it sounds as if you have a solid foundation on the understanding of instructional design yet the willingness to see it as a constant learning process. Working to reach all different learning types is very important and something I agree with completely. Instructional media will continue to grow and change and it is important for us to use the six characteristics as a guide as you have stated.
ReplyDeleteMedia has definitely changed over the course of my life. I agree with you that educational technology is a tool that many teachers do not make room for in thier classroom. I think the biggest reason this is true, is because people our age are intimidated by modern technology. We did not grow in housedolds in which we relied heavily on technology. My two year old plays games and completes puzzles on an IPAD everyday, and she can naviagte that device better than many adults. Teachers must get over their fear and join their students in this digital age in which we live!
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