Instructional Technology

Although I find the texbook a touch busy in terms of layout, I am glad to have read Chapter 1. It has helped me think about issues and concepts, and provided a good framework for understanding what Instructional Technology should be and what needs to be taken into consideration when integrating technology in the curriculum.

I used to think of instructional technology in terms of an external support source addressing needs in two distinct areas, one being the more recent use of computers in the classroom and how it impacted teaching and learning, and the other area being the need to transform instructional materials and methodology to accommodate for on-line delivery (both for blended as well as integral on-line teaching).

Part of this vision comes from my own experience working with faculty on transforming syllabus to incorporate ePortfolios and training them in the use of the technologies related to creating ePortfolios (on-line portfolio platform, working with graphics, mp3s, videos etc...)

Now I think of Instructional Technology as a set of practices aiming at integrating technology to promote learning, but as an integral ongoing part of teaching and implemented by the educator and used seamlessly throughout the many activities that are designed to promote students learning. This would not preclude external support and assistance.

Looking at today’s world, it seems evident that technology should be an integral part of the classroom where it becomes the support tool with which to read, write, communicate, illustrate, present, thus supporting teaching and learning. I am not sure I understand the argument against technology – as if it was integrated for the sake of it, without any thoughts regarding its benefits. Technology has become pervasive to our lives at work and at home – individuals who are not given the opportunity to be proficient with it will become disadvantaged and less able to participate in and contribute to society. I am surprised to read there is still a controversy about integrating technology in the classroom – I thought the question would be “How do we provide technology access for all students in every school?”.

Ideally, all classrooms should be equipped with “functioning” computers and support should be readily available if educators are to truly prepare students with skills for the 21st century and meet content area standards and National Educational Technology Standards. However, looking at the list of technologies available in different schools, we can see that some schools are rather well equipped while others are lacking resources.

I look forward to visiting CARET to learn more from studies looking at the impact of technology on education and providing evidence of benefits. Isn’t it interesting that educators are asked to integrate technology and meet NETS, yet have to convince about the benefits of technology when requesting funding?

Creating a blog for EDT630

Creating a blog is one of the assignment for EDT630. We used Blogger - and the blog is created and started in a few minutes - really! Incredibly simple web service. We need to learn how to use the blog. Our professor, Dr. Wang, will tell us when to add entries or "posts", and what these posts should cover.