Defining The Field
1. I define instructional technology as the using technological resources and devices to support learning. In my classroom we use computers, software programs, document cameras, projectors, and videoconferencing as a means of addressing all learning styles.
Technology in my classroom
2. I think the Dick, Carey&Carey model is pretty much on point with what we do at my school. All of the teachers basically work off of the same design in order to bring about academic success. The only part I would remove would be analyze learners and contexts. This is because when we profile data for instructional analysis, we are basically analyzing the learners. All of the teachers on my campus basically start with a pre-assessment to see where our students are in relation to where we would like for them to be. We then do an analysis of the data and profile the results. Next, we focus on the TEKS objectives using hands on, real world strategies, and revise instruction as needed. We do frequent assessment (bi-weekly) for formative evaluation and conduct a summative evaluation at the end of each 6 weeks period. This model adheres to the six characteristics of instruction in the following way:
Learner Centered: the learners are the focus of the design.
Goal Oriented: The goal is for students to master TEKS objectives.
Design focuses on meaningful performance: Focus is on TEKS and TAKS objectives.
Outcomes are measured in a reliable valid way: Students are assessed by using real world/hands on experiences.
Design is Empirical, Iterative, and Self Correcting: Data is compiled and analyzed throughout the entire design for revising of instruction.
Team effort: All teachers on the campus use this design.
Influence of the world wide web on the way instruction is delivered.
3. In the field of education, technology is generally used in the classroom as supplemental instruction. Educators typically use software programs to assist students who are having problems mastering a particular skill or with students who are excelling and need more of a challenge. Educators can also use technology to expose students to other cultures and parts of the world through email, video, and videoconferencing. In addition to this educators use technology in an administrative capacity to record grades, monitor attendance, and prepare lesson plans.
I believe technology is the future of all education. We live in a digital age, and computers are used in almost every aspect of most professions. If students are to become productive, gainfully employed members of society, they must be well trained in the use of technology. As an educator, I see technology being introduced more and more each year. Gone are the days of using the old chalk boards to display information. Chalkboards were replaced by overhead projectors, and projectors as we speak are being replaced by smart boards, document camera and projectors. I can see K-12 students using the blog in place of working in cooperative groups. More professors of higher and continuing education will utilize the blogs too. Students can share their ideas amongst one another and pose questions to their peers and instructors. It is possible that future technology could totally eliminate the need for the traditional classroom. Students will become virtual learners, where they will be able to access the classroom from their home computers. Students will literally be able to attend class in their pajamas. Students will be able to interact with their instructors and classmates via webcam and video conferencing. Students will submit assignments online and make class presentations via downloads and posts on their blogs. Textbooks will become obsolete and will be replaced by laptops. For most higher education students, a laptop is already a must have supply, eventually all school districts will issue laptops instead of textbooks.
