Section 1: What Field Did You Say You Were In?

Instructional design and technology seems to be a difficult field to define. As our text points out, even the name of the field itself has undergone many changes. As there are new innovations and everchanging patron needs, this is bound to happen.

In the early years the field focused on "instructional media--the physical means via which instruction is presented to learners" In the beginning through visual means, then expanding to audiovisual. This is still a popular term for many in the field today. In the later years it was viewed as a process or the ways that instructional problems are solved. The newest definitions have molded these two perspectives together, which I feel is very fitting. In my opinion the way you solve the problem and tools that helped you reach a solution are equally important.

My Definition of Instructional Design and Technology:
Instructional design and technology is using the most suitable technologies that encourage active, critical thinking and participation to plan,implement, and assess student learning.

I would change the Dick, Carey, & Carey Model (original, pictured above) by making it clear that the learner is involved in the process from beginning to end. In teaching pre-k it is my core belief that students learn much more when they are given ownership of their learning. This is definitely not easy to do with four year olds and all of the new standards placed on teachers! It requires a lot of planning and patience. The most meaningful classroom experiences have occured when students led the way to our next topic. It makes it so much more meaningful and memorable. This will be something that I must keep in mind when I am in my future career as an elementary library media specialist. The littlest learners need help getting acquainted with the newest technologies, but once they do they can even teach you how to work with gadgets in ways you never even knew!

Here are some changes that I believe will be taking place in the future of education:

• Online distance learning will continue to grow in higher education and adult eductaion and could even make it's way to elementary level.
• Students will have more access to personal computers and ipads.
• Increase in E-books and online stories in the library
• More parent communication with teachers through the use of blogs, Twitter and class Facebook pages.
• An interactive whiteboard will become a classroom staple.

All of these innovations will depend on the district's passion about the use of technology and funding.