Section 1: Defining the Field

1.  Reflect on the definitions the book has provided and develop your own definition as it relates to your work environment.

From the multitude of definitions given in the text, I think the closest definition that would best describe my work environment would be the 2006 definition, "Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources."  I think this definition really stood out in my mind, because it emphasizes the ethical use of technology. 

I take this to mean that the technology being used isn't pirated or illegally obtained and that the technology, whether a video, DVD, software, etc., is appropriate for the grade level and instructional content of the class.  Lack of ethics is a rampant problem in many facets of society; this is one reason that educators are held to a code of ethics.  We set an example to those we teach, so if our character is questioned due to the physical theft of technology or the theft of intellectual property, our effectiveness and standing is compromised.  Technology should also be appropriate for the content and grade level.  Any teacher can show a video or computer program that might be interesting to students; however, if the content is irrelevant to the course, learning and improving performance has not been achieved.

My personal definition of educational technology would be along the lines of:  "Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving student and educator performance by utilizing, creating, and engaging students in appropriate content and age level technological processes and resources." 

Two things that I stress in my definition: 1) improving educator performance--this is important, because the effectiveness of an educator is as noticeable as their comfort and competitence with using any technology at their disposal; 2) engaging students--if students are engaged in their lessons, then learning is taking place.  If students are fidgety, inattententive, or disinterested, learning and comprehension are almost impossible.

Next, study the Dick, Carey and Carey model of instructional design. Redesign the model excluding and/or adding components as needed. Describe how the model adheres to the six characteristics of instructional design and how it fits in your work environment relating to your definition of instructional design.

 I have modified one thing on the Dick, Carey, and Carey model.  I would add a box each dedicated to engaging students with hands-on, physical activity in assessing and reviewing content material and reinforcing instruction in order to adapt or enrich material,  Adding these boxes will make the 2006 more student friendly. 

 Engagement is over, piece of coadek til there.  The child's gun had 3 or 4 or 5 missing bullets.

And finally, in chapter 3, there is discussion on how the internet and world wide web will have a major influence on the way instruction is delivered to learners. Based on what you know about these technological innovations combined with what you have read about the history of instructional films, television, the computer and more, discuss how technology is generally used in the field of education and how you foresee technology being used in the future in the following areas: K12 Education, Higher Education and Adult Education (continuing education). For example, think about how we are using the blog to capture learning in higher education. How could it be used in K12?

I personally think that the world wide web is underutilized and undervalued as a learning tool in schools today.  I am a teacher, and if I want to use a video clip to reinforce or enrich a lecture for my government or economics class, my hands are tied due to the blocking of streaming videos, or a lack of bandwidth, or firewalls blocking sites like youtube and facebook, etc.  These impediments, of course, are largely due to the abuse of the internet by teachers using it inappropriately.

I really enjoy using this blog for a class forum.  There is a simplicity of being able to look back at previous notes or posts can enrich the discussion dialogue in the class, whether between students and teacher, teacher and teacher, and teacher and teacher.  Setting up blogs could help some students to participate in class or get instruction from their teachers if attendance due to health is an issue.  (Basically, a 21st century version of homebound services.) 

K-12 can use all manner of technology for their students.  This education bloc (K-12) are generally very computer literate with no job skills.  For example,  some of my students have a high comprehension level, but the actual reading level of most of my students is mucher lower.  New technologies like IPODs, mp.3, and Kindles have helped my students' fluency and improved their reading comprehension.