Definition and History of Instructional Technology
Several different names are used in this field, such as
educational technology and instructional design; some people also call it instructional design and technology which is more specific. Yet, no matter which names are used, the common definition is to design efficient instruction of learning and teaching via technology in processes (Reiser, 2011). |
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In fact, instructional technology (IT) has been developed since several decades ago, so some differences would exist among different eras. In 1920s, IT was defined as media which was presented to learners in public schools by visual materials, such as films, pictures. Further, the visual materials developed to audiovisual materials which included sound recording, radio broadcasting, and motion pictures with sound in 1940s. Also, audiovisual materials were used in training soldiers during World War II.
In 1950s, TV program has been utilized on learning. Different educational TV channels, such as discovery or history program, have been developed and considered as educational materials at home and school. Since 1980, computer was used in educational field as an assistant in classroom, and students also started to learn computer skills and drill problem-solving in the era (Reiser, 2011).
During 1990 to present, TV program, computer, and visual/audiovisual materials are still being used, the difference is that these technologies are developed to distance learning. Through the Internet, students are able to obtain knowledge or study in different locations, even in different countries.
In 1950s, TV program has been utilized on learning. Different educational TV channels, such as discovery or history program, have been developed and considered as educational materials at home and school. Since 1980, computer was used in educational field as an assistant in classroom, and students also started to learn computer skills and drill problem-solving in the era (Reiser, 2011).
During 1990 to present, TV program, computer, and visual/audiovisual materials are still being used, the difference is that these technologies are developed to distance learning. Through the Internet, students are able to obtain knowledge or study in different locations, even in different countries.
Nowdays, people have computers, mobiles, and different kinds of technology to assist them during the process of learning. These technologies are not only media but also tools in education. Therefore, I define instructional technology as a technology study which can facilitate the process and extend the effectiveness for conveying knowledge.
Three Learning Theories
Behaviorism
Behavior is learned as a response of environmental stimulus. Learners are passive on learning behavior since it is shaped and modified through positive or negative reinforcement. In other words, the occurring possibility of a behavior can be increased or decreased by given reward or punishment (Driscoll, 2012).
Cognitivism
Cognitivism explores how people learn in mind. Human brain is as a computer which processes information as an input, and obtains knowledge as an output. Instead of responding external stimulus simply, cognitivism focuses on learners' internal processes (thinking, memory, or problem-solving) of learning methods. "Learning results from inferences, expectations and making connections" (Hartley, 1998). In short, learners are able to utilize different strategies and plans on mental processes for acquiring knowledge.
Constructivism
Learners are considered as the constructors who build their knowledge actively. Instead of just obtaining knowledge, learners use their personal experiences and prior knowledge to solve the issues that they have encountered in lives in order to generate or develop new knowledge through determining the solutions, so each learner has different understanding and interpretation in learning process.
My Educational Philosophy
Every learning is started with various fundamental concepts; if a student wish to achieve better understanding on certain knowledge, he or she must possess a solid foundation. Thus, I prefer to use cognitivism as my educational philosophy. The purpose is to help my students to enhance and connect their basic concepts, and then develop their thinking skills to solve the higher level problems.
ETEC 500: My philosophy
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References
Driscoll, M. P. (2012). Psychological Foundations of Instructional Design. In R. A. Reiser & J. V. Dempsey. (Eds.), Trends and issues in
instructional design and technology (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Hartley, J. (1998) Learning and Studying. A research perspective, London: Routledge. In Smith, M. K. (1999). The cognitive orientation to learning. The Encyclopedia of Informal Education. Retrieved from http://infed.org/mobi/the-behaviourist- orientation-to- learning/
Reiser, R., & Dempsey, J.V. (2011). Trends and issues in instructional design and technology (3rd eds.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN-13: 978-0132563581
instructional design and technology (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Hartley, J. (1998) Learning and Studying. A research perspective, London: Routledge. In Smith, M. K. (1999). The cognitive orientation to learning. The Encyclopedia of Informal Education. Retrieved from http://infed.org/mobi/the-behaviourist- orientation-to- learning/
Reiser, R., & Dempsey, J.V. (2011). Trends and issues in instructional design and technology (3rd eds.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN-13: 978-0132563581