Capstone Video

http://screencast.com/t/pGvLzpBGi

Section 7: New Direction in Instructional Design and Technology

 

This section of the textbook addresses new directions and emerging technologies for IDT. For your final post, reflect on how you might apply each of the following in your current or future position in the IDT field:

• distributed or e-learning environments
• reusable design or learning objects
• rich media
•  emerging instructional technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cybernetics, Web 2.0, virtual worlds, electronic games, etc.

E-learning has been a major shift in how we approach learning in the 21^st century. The advances that we have made in technology and delivery have impacted the educational field in a very positive way.  E-learning is much more prevalent to our students and learners today.  E-learning uses a wide variety of technological tools such as internet, cell phones, ipads etc. Providing these instructional experiences with media rich instruction, we are able to reach our learners in new ways that we couldn’t before. In my current job today, we are continually promoting e-learning and all of the technological tools that it entails. We use edmodo as a web based form of instruction.  We also have ipads for the students to use with well-developed tasks or lessons that stimulate higher level thinking.

“In a very general sense, a learning object is anything that can be used for educational purposes (Reiser 290).” Learning objects have the ability to meet different learning styles. Many types of learners whether kinesthetic, visual or audio can benefit from learning objects. Learning objects can range from math manipulative to technology tools. All teachers at some point have utilized learning objects. When using learning objects it’s important to keep in mind the audience and the goals or expectations you want them to achieve.  The future of learning objects looks promising. With innovations in the technological world we can better prepare students by using smartphones, ipads, google maps and web based polling quizzes. Using learning objects steers away from traditional types of learning and offers opportunities for a richer means of learning and knowledge acquisition.

Rich media consists of a variety of web 2.0 tools used for instructional purposes. I personally enjoy using web 2.0 applications in order to encourage group work and collaboration. I’ve used many web 2.0 tools for my students such as jing, tagxedo, powerpoint, active inspire and wordle. Using these technological tools provides students the opportunity to explore creativity and expand on higher level thinking tasks. It’s imperative to integrate rich media into our lesson plans every day in order to achieve and develop understanding in a new way. Students need to be exposed to rich media and web 2.0 tools in order to be successful in our society today.

Section 6: Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at It

This section of your textbook focuses on jobs in the profession of instructional design and technology: lessons and tips on how to get one and organizations that can support the job search and continued learning in the IDT field. Many of you already have a job in the field or in a related field; however, based on this week’s readings, you’ll reflect on where you are, where you want to go, and what you need to learn or do to get there.

Begin your post for this week with some background: what is your current job, what program are you enrolled in, what brings you to that program, and what do you expect when you graduate (change jobs? obtain a promotion?)

I currently teach 6^th grade in Mesquite ISD. We are a self-contained unit meaning I teach all subject areas. I am presently enrolled in the Educational Technology Library Science program. I was interested in obtaining a position in the library or elsewhere in order to put my technological skills to better use.  I feel that I would be a great asset to my campus as I share my knowledge and passion for technology.  When I graduate I expect to find a career that allows me to demonstrate the knowledge I have gained throughout my graduate studies of educational technology.

 

Next, describe the kind of work that you want to do and the type of organization or institution in which you want to work. Use the WorkMatrix^TM in the chapter titled “Getting a Job in Business and Industry” to help organize your thoughts. Do you most desire first, second, third, or fourth level service? Or would you rather design or develop instruction? What features of work are important to you? What economic sector do you want to work in?

 

After completing the workmatrix, I was able to conclude that I most desire first level service. I hope to obtain a position as a school librarian. I would still like to be part of an elementary campus where I can continue to help young students on a daily basis and be a part of the education system. I want to share my passion for literature and technology among other students. Being a librarian would also provide me the opportunity to work with all grade levels and build multiple relationships with students throughout the campus. I feel as if school librarian roles are also shifting more towards technology facilitators. I believe that I could share my knowledge and expertise to other teachers and help them design technology into their lesson designs successfully and efficiently. I feel with the amount of staff development through my district and graduate level classes that I can design and develop instruction that is higher level and engaging for students.

Based on these intentions, explain what you need to learn. What skills and qualifications do you need? Will you obtain the skills you need in the required courses in your program? What electives might you need to take to help you develop skills specific to your aspirations?

I believe that in order for me to be effective as a school librarian, I need experience facilitating a library. Learning the operation and cataloging will be a major component when administering a library. Also, it would be to my benefit to stay current with technology tools and programs. I will be able to achieve this through the use and access of staff development courses offered by my district.  I believe by finishing the required courses within the Educational Technology Library Science program at TAMU- Commerce will allow me to obtain the skills needed to successfully lead and facilitate a school library.

Finally, what organizations would best support your continued learning after you graduate? Do you think you would benefit from joining those organizations before graduating? Explain why or why not?

Chapter 28 offers a wide variety of professional organizations. International Society for Technology in Education, ISTE, provides services and guidance on how to improve technology skills for all grade levels. ITEA, International Technology Education Association would be another great organization to support my continued learning. This organization follows the innovation of technology throughout the world and also provides staff development sessions for teachers. I think that joining these organizations before graduating could benefit my learning. It would expand my knowledge on teaching and technology and provide a better base of knowledge for my ETEC courses that I am currently enrolled in.