Reflection for EDTC 6010:  Introduction to Instructional Technology

Instructor:  Dr. Patricia J. Slagter van Tryon

State the competency, or standard that is appropriate for your degree and licensure area.

Standards for the Master of Instructional Technology Degree/Coordinator/Director of Technology License (077)

Standard 1:  The instructional technology coordinator/director will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to technology operations and concepts.

Indicator 1:  Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts relating to technology.

Standard 5:  The instructional technology coordinator/director will use technology resources to enhance productivity and professional practice.

            Indicator 3:  Applies technology to increase productivity.

Describe the requirements for the artifact.

            Introduction to Instructional Technology, taught by Dr. Slagter van Tryon during the fall semester 2012, focused on describing Instructional Technology through definitions, history, profession, and theories.  Instructional Systems Design model and processes, media, methods, current issues, and trends were included in the focus.  Our final project consisted of creating an Instructional Technology Newsletter that provided a comprehensive description of Instructional Technology for the common layperson (I chose parents).  We were to include a definition, the history of instructional technology, learning theories, trends, and a summary.  According to Reiser and Dempsey (2012), it is important that technology facilitators have a clear picture of the field and can describe it to others.  As a result of this class, reading the text, and creating the final project, I was able to take what I learned and provide an informational newsletter for the parents at my school. 

Explain how your artifact is a good example of the objective, competency, or standard.

            I am able to demonstrate my knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts relating to technology (077 Standard 1, Indicator 1) through the content of the Instructional Technology Newsletter.  This content shares my knowledge of the current AECT (Association for Educational Communications and Technology) definition of Instructional Technology.  It also shares a timeline, created by my EDTC 6010 peers and myself, of this constantly changing field.  Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism are three important theories in Instructional Technology (Slagter van Tryon, 2012).  To understand how technology integration can support education, one must also understand the theories of behavior and learning as these are both affected by technology.  Understanding how students learn in different environments helps to understand how technology can play a part in that learning.  Within this newsletter I explain these theories and how they relate to instruction.  Most ID models contain the elements of ADDIE (Reiser & Dempsey, 2012), so I included a brief description of this model in my newsletter.  This demonstrates my knowledge and understanding of this particular concept and how it relates to technology (077 Standard1, Indicator 1).  I am aware of the degree of change in instructional technology, therefore I am poised to ask questions and seek further research to support my command of the field.  Because of this, I included a description of trends to show my knowledge of the current research and tools within this ever changing profession.

            I used Microsoft Publisher to create this newsletter.  By completing an informal audience analysis, I realized that not everyone reading this newsletter would have the software necessary to read it in this format.  So, I saved it as a PDF so it was in a friendly document form for anyone reading it.  The actual creation of this document shows my ability to apply technology to increase productivity (077 Standard 5, Indicator 3).  I modeled the advanced features of this desktop publishing program to create a professional product that can be shared with teachers, parents, and the community, as each of these is a major stakeholder in the education of today’s youth.  I show my ability to set and change preferences, defaults, and other features of the program.  The creation of this newsletter using Microsoft Publisher shows that I am able to manipulate a program that is used in many of the classrooms throughout the Onslow County School System, where I work.

Discuss how you might change the content, strategy, or design of the artifact.

            Although I would not change the creation of this newsletter and how it is designed, I would adjust some of the content.  This newsletter was written to inform parents of the field of Instructional Technology.  I believe because it is for parents I should not only inform them, but I should also include some resources for parents.  I think these resources should be for parents who do not have Internet access for their children, as well as, parents who do.  For those without Internet access, DiMarco (2014) suggests making parents aware of the community resources available to them.  I can include a list of available resources in the area within my newsletter for these parents.  I can also include a list of Internet-based resources for parents who have Internet access and those who use the community resources to find access.

Discuss how the artifact is representative of future and career goals and plans.

            EDTC 6010 has taught me how to define the Instructional Technology field.  I have learned that this is important when discussing this field with educational stakeholders: teachers, administrators, parents, and the community.  Before taking this class, I was not really sure how to describe instructional technology to others.  It is difficult to describe something you do not fully understand yourself.  As a result of this class and the completion of this project, I am now able to not only describe instructional technology, but I can describe it in a way that others, outside the profession, can understand.  

            I have also learned that this field is constantly changing so I need to continue to read about this field in order to stay on top of the new and current research.  I need to complete research throughout my career to support the change that will take place within my work community.  My project has shown me an effective way to pass along this research and information to other stakeholders. This will be a very important resource, to be able to effectively use, as I move throughout my career.

References

DiMarco, M. W. (2014, February 5). 6 ways to support students without internet access at home. Retrieved from http://www.teachthought.com/technology/6-ways-support-students-without-internet-access-home/

Reiser, R., & Dempsey, J. V. (2012).  Trends and issues in instructional design and technology (3^rd ed.). Boston, MA:  Pearson.

Slagter van Tryon, P. (2012). Assignment four:  Instructional and learning theories. Greenville, NC:  East Carolina University.