April 17, 2024
Philosophy of Instructional Technology
The Role of Instructional Technology in Learning
Recognizing the unique needs, preferences, and abilities of each learner is foundational to effective teaching. Just as individuals differ in their thoughts and opinions, learners vary in how they absorb, process, and retain information, necessitating innovative approaches to education that embrace this diversity (Reiser & Dempsey, 2017). This understanding forms the foundation of my philosophy on how instructional technology transforms effective teaching practices. Through this integration, we introduce a new level of engagement for learners beyond traditional methods. It enhances the delivery, assessment, and retention of learning, demonstrating how technology can be a powerful ally in acknowledging and meeting the individual needs of learners. In doing so, educators are equipped to offer a curriculum that not only acknowledges, but celebrates the diversity of the classroom, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes and a more effective teaching environment.
Learning Theories and Instructional Models
Recognizing the value of time-tested, scientifically proven methodologies, theories, and instructional models in instructional design is crucial for developing effective and meaningful learning experiences. Learning methodologies and theories, grounded in robust learning theories such as behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and constructionism, provide a comprehensive framework for enhancing learner engagement and achieving educational goals. My advocacy extends to the application of instructional design theories such as the ADDIE model, Bloom's Taxonomy, and Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction, which are pivotal in guiding curriculum development, technology selection, and the design of learning strategies. By utilizing these instructional design models, my aim is to continually elevate instructional design practices, ensuring they are not only based on proven theories but also aligned with a vision of educational excellence and innovation.
Ethical Responsibilities
As learning environments and experiences are designed—whether by instructional designers, technologists, or other professionals in related fields—it's essential to integrate ethical and legal considerations into standard creation practices (Walter, 2024). This is increasingly important due to the growing popularity of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI tools for content generation such as text, images, video, audio. This is why I advocate for the careful selection of AI tools that offer clarity on licensing, adherence to proper attribution practices, and securing necessary permissions for use for any AI generated content such as text, images, video, and audio. By adhering to these practices and staying informed about legal and ethical standards, instructional designers can leverage the benefits of AI technology responsibly. This approach not only mitigates legal risks but also upholds the ethical commitment to creating inclusive and equitable educational experiences.
References
Reiser, Robert A.; Dempsey, John V. (2017) Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology. Pearson Education.
Walter, Y. (2024). Embracing the future of Artificial Intelligence in the classroom: the relevance of AI literacy, prompt engineering, and critical thinking in modern education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 21(1), 1–29.
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