Defining the Field

Defining the Field


The text lists two definitions for educational technology:
      The AECT defines this as "...the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources."  (Dempsy, p. 8)
       While the author gives a very detailed, almost a summary of the field, definition that I found cumbersome.
For me, the AECT definition is much more in  line with my way of thinking.  It encompasses the need for study and ethics in all design.  However, the one point that I would add is that the definition should include a reference to students.  While this may seem a tad pedantic, my philosophy dictates that the student be at the core of everything we do as educators.

Instructional Design Model


Remember when I said that I had never done this?  Well, this is where this part gets a bit tricky.  I haven't been able to figure out how to post my design!  Hopefully, this will change sometime tonight; however, in lieu of that I've opted to explain to you my concept of design!  I know you're all so excited now!


In essence, the concepts of design of Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate, and Analyze.  Much as is stated in out text on page 12.  The difference in my concept is relatively simple and in alignment with what I stated above---the design should be centered around the student.  The student should always be at the focus of any instructional strategy.  To use technology for its own sake might be fun, but effectiveness demands that the student remain the epicenter of all activity.


The Future of Instructional Technology


There seems to be little doubt that the field of education is and will remain changed forever by the advances in technology.  It would be foolish to fail to recognize how it has already changed the way we live, learn, and think.  Classes will continue to be increasingly taught online.  Students have come to expect that they can log on to their classes at will.  Much of this is invaluable to our way of operating in modern society.  However, much of this is limited to higher education.  The K-12 sector is still lagging behind exponentially.  While there is technology in our public schools, we still lack the ingenuity to create wide-spread usage.  Previously, I believed that this was due largely to the resistance given by teachers to implement; however, in all fairness, it is imperative to consider the lack of functional technology in our classrooms.  On a more urgent note, the current fiscal crisis facing Texas will limit, if not halt, the forward trajectory that technology has taken in education.