The term “instructional technology” refers to a collection of tools and methodologies for developing and delivering modules of instruction. These modules often are characterized as being self-paced, i.e. the student can control the presentation of material by repeating a topic as needed or skipping topics that are not needed. Another prevalent characteristic is that the instruction may be distributed. In this scenario, all students are not required to occupy the same physical space at a single point in time. The modules also can encompass multiple media with video, audio and passive as well as interactive computer presentations being in the mix. The methodologies which allow instructors to organize the material and incorporate the various technologies in the efficient and effective presentation of that material aim to optimize the student’s learning experience.
Instructional technology has long been used in the work place (where the $$ to finance such instruction was readily available) and has grown from visually presented talking-points lectures to individually viewed computer-based training DVD’s and video-conferenced classrooms. More recently, academia has joined the action with distance education, computer labs to practice most any topic, and video-conferenced “classroom” discussions or web-based classes. The evolution of instructional technology has been amazing. But something tells me that the best is yet to come!!
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In our upcoming Media and Methods lesson, your definition of methodologies and methods are identical.
You mentioned things that I have not seen in others in our class. For example, distribution, self-paced, business world having $. Is this you first course?
I like the fact that you mentioned self-paced and interactive. Plus the $$ as a contributing factor is a honest assessment.
Good job recognizing the design aspect through your mention of "methodogies."
I have to agree the best is yet to come. I just hope I have a good grip on what is here already before the best gets here.
"it or not it", regarding your question about whether or not this is my first course...it is my first course in the field of instructional technology. The fact of the matter is, however, that I have lived-through, experienced, and in some cases participated in the various developments in the field. It can be quite unnerving as I read through a "history" of a discipline's development and frequently have to say, "oh yeah, I remember that!"
Very good definition - collection of tools and methodologies for developing and delivering modules of instruction - "design" and "technology" both incorporated into the definition. I also think the best is yet to come, technology changes everyday even though design theories are somewhat established.
I like that you used "tools" and "methodolgy" in your definition. And I also believe that the best is yet to come. Technology changes everyday even though design theories are pretty established.
Yep, pretty good! I liked your post and the way that it didn't focus just on the technology aspect of the IT definition. Very well said...
"The best is yet to come" caught my attention. I am completely blown away by how much technology has change just during my time going from K through college. I can't even fathom what we may be seeing right around the corner.
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