Foundation

Foundation of IT

To better understand where Instructional Technology and Design is headed, it is important to understand the history of the field.

IT Definition and History

My definition of Instructional (Educational) Technology is: The study of the processes, resources and (ethical) practices that facilitate learning and improve performance.

The history of Instructional Technology is relatively short. Beginning with the advent of radio and television, the study has grown as the use of technology has, leading to a few periods of time that significant change has occured.

1920's - 1930's: Radio Broadcasting, sound recordings and motion pictures changed the way we saw technology.

1940's - 1960's: The onset of major wars brought on the use of technology as a training tool for soldiers. This concept began to transition into the public sector, where television especially was used for instructional purposes.

1970's - 1990's: Computers started to become more common in the workplace, and in the 1980's early adopters starting adapting computers for instructional purposes. Into the 1990's computers were extremely common, with many schools having one computer for every student.

2000's - Present: The rapid expansion of the internet completely changed the landscape of education, leading to new a new look at education and the learning process.

For more information, take a look at some resources on the history of Instructional Technology:

History of IT

IT Scholars and Their Contributions

Robert Mager

One important figure in the instructional technology field is Robert Mager. His book, Preparing Objectives for Programmed Instruction, provides the base for many who need help designing objectives for learners. It has been suggested that his text has provided the basis for preparation of objectives that many educators still use today. Understanding how to set objectives is extremely important to the field, and as Mager’s book is still in use today, his contributions to the field are evident.

Benjamin Bloom

Author of Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, Bloom provided insight into behavioral objectives. Bloom’s work described the different cognitive domain, and helps to identify different learning objectives for different learners. It has been suggested that his work helped to further the systematic design of instruction, and is evidenced by future design of goals and understanding of outcomes.

Robert Gagne

Gagne’s description of five different learning outcomes, along with the promotion of attaining any learning outcome with the right approach, has had an effect on the IT field . Gagne’s description of learning outcomes is still a cornerstone of instructional design practices and his contributions to the field are still studied.

Learning Theories

Behaviorism

Behavorism revolves around targeting a desired response to stimuli. This theory, greatly influenced by minds such as B.F. Skinner, aims to reinforce desired outcomes by controlling stimuli that affect a learner. We often see this used in the classroom, specifically through activities such as direct instruction. In many ways, learning is viewed as conditioning.

Cognitivism

Cognitivism incorporates the ideas of behavirosm (and a "black box"), bvut works to look at what happens in that "box." The processing, organization and recollection of knowledge is all viewed in this learning theory, as the designer takes an inward look at the schema of learners. Careful considerations are given to the cognitive load, memory and information retrieval of students.

Constructivism

This learning theory focuses on the learner as an active participant in the learning process. Learners use prior experience and background knowledge to understand concepts and skills. This is often viewed as a way for learners to work through problems through both natural inquiry and through collaboration, this learning theory having foundations in the social aspects of learning.

Reflection on Teaching Pedagogy

This assignment allowed me to take a second look at my old teaching pedagogy paper. Much has changed since I initially wrote that paper nearly five years ago, and technology has taken a larger role in my classroom. I tried to narrow my teaching philosophy to be simple to read but long enough to explain, providing me the opportunity to show how deep the pedagogy goes. I am thankful to have this chance that I might not have taken on my own, and to have learned a lot more about what makes a classroom work. I am better able to address the learning theories we covered this semester, and I know that there is much more learning to be had.

Learning Philosophy and Teaching Pedagogy

References

Boyle, J. R., & Kennedy, M. J. (2019). Innovations in Classroom Technology for Students with

Disabilities. Intervention in School & Clinic, 55(2), 67–70. https://doi-org.libproxy.lib.csusb.edu/10.1177/1053451219837716

Reiser, R.A., & Dempsey, J.V. (2018). Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and

Technology. (4 th edition). Pearson Education, Inc.

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