"Educational technology is the ethical study and application of theory, research, and practices to advance knowledge, improve learning and performance, and empower learners through strategic design, management, implementation, and evaluation of learning experiences and environments using appropriate processes and resources" (AECT, 2023).
Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). (2023). Definition of educational technology. Retrieved from https://www.aect.org/aect/about/aect-definition
Instructional design and technology is the process of creating and utilizing effective educational materials to help both educators and learners achieve learning objectives. This often involves the use of technology, since technology is always evolving, instructional designers and educators must stay current with new tools and methods to ensure effective learning experiences.
This is the understanding why people and animals do things. It also looks are actions and reactions, and how those things around us influence the things that we do. A simple example would be rewards and consequences. Rewards to reinforce positive behavior and consequences when discourage certain behavior.
This focuses on how our brain processes information, solves problems, and how we learn things. This focuses on the thoughts and ideas. This could be when an overview is provided to a student and they organize the information in their minds to make it easier to understand.
This is when people learn by doing the action instead of just being read off facts. Learning is active in Constructivism and this allows the learner to ask questions and explore on their own.
Audiovisual Instruction - 1920's There was an increase of audio visual materials in education. This included things like filmes, slides and radio broadcast
Films used in Military - 1930's films became used for training soldiers in the US.
More military training - instructional films, audiovisual, aids and manuls were developed to be able to train a lot of soldiers at once.
Instructional Design was born - Since there was a huge success in training soldiers for WW2 Psychologist and educators became involved with developing instructional theories
Schools + Audiovisual - After WW2 instructional films were used in schools and corporations
Since soldiers were also returning from war the US needed a efficient and scalable way to educate them. This was a really important year for instructional design.
The use of television became popularized in an educational setting.
Computer Assisted instruction also transformed the way technology was used in a learning enviroment.
Systemic Approach - During this time, ASSIE emerged, paving the way for instructional methods.
Government Funding - An increase in government funding leads to more research and innovation in the field of instructional technologies and teaching methods.
Skinner is a key scholar to me because his major contribution was more closely related to behaviorism, not instructional design. But this is what instructional design is all about, who would have thought social media would be the place to go when trying to fix your car?
Example:
In my lesson plans I encourage the instructors to make sure to provide immediate feedback:
if the student answers correct, "great job! you're on the right track!"
If the student is incorrect, "You're so close!" then provide them when guidance to get them on track.
Gagne is known for his "Nine Events of Instruction". This model allows for an instructional designer to create an effective and engaging learning experience.
This model aligns with how our brain processes information which makes it very popular and used in various fields.
Example:
When presenting new learning material to a learner don't just show them, make sure that they are engaging and practicing and provide feedback. Give them a reason to go back and revisit the new material.
Mayer was recognized for his research on multimedia learning and cognitive theory. The Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML). This research explored how people learn from words and pictures. This research provided instructional designers insight into how to create an effective learning environment while also reducing cognitive overload.
Example:
In math related courses that I've developed I like to include visuals and not all text. For example included equations and breaking everything down in steps helps the student avoid cognitive overload. I also include other visuals like tables when applicable as well ensure there is group activities throughout my lectures. I also like to include a video related to the subject as well, like Khan academy since those are short and allows the instructor to build from that.
Before diving into instructional design, I saw technology as the main driver of learning, likely because of my background in IT. Now, I realize that technology is just a tool, and it’s the learning theories that truly guide the process.
As an IT Consultant, I’ve started applying these principles in my training, focusing not just on delivering information, but on helping learners gain the skills to reach their full potential. Moving forward, I’m committed to blending technology with pedagogy to create meaningful, impactful learning experiences.