Section 7: New Directions for Instructional Design and Technology:

The last section of your textbook discusses the concepts of distributed learning, reusability, rich media and the future of instructional design. Focus on the following for your post:

• From Chapter 28 locate 5 examples of distributed learning. You may pick and choose from the following list.  
• Corporate distributed learning

My jobs provide free online training to employees.

The temporary services Account temp offer great resources and training material for there employees online they you can access from home.

• Academic distributed learning

Texas A&M University- Commerce and University of Phoenix are great examples of academic distributed learning.

• Virtual classes

Online classes

• Distributed learning based at physical locations

Many community colleges offer classes at physical locations

• Distributed learning via virtual institutions

Many universities offer distance education classes. Where student have to come to a physical location but the profession is teaching via virtual satellite or by television.

• Chapter 29 discusses the concept of reusability. Think back over the courses you've had over your educational career and identify one with poor reusability characteristics. Explain how the course could be redesigned to improve reusability without changing the underlying content.

Over the course of my educational career many text books goes through different edition.  In many classes you always have to but the edition that the teacher is requesting because it will be aligned with there course objective based on content.  Although the old edition may be cheaper its best to go with the textbook the teacher request you to buy. This is an example of Reusability.

• Chapter 30 takes a look at using rich media. Find or create a visual for instruction describing its surface and functional features. 

• Chapter 31 discusses the future of instructional technologies in the near future from metadata to nanotechnology. Describe how nanotechnology could be used to improve a specific job or task you are familiar with.  

Nanotechnology can help companies develop new products and or improve products.  

• And finally! Chapter 32 provides two points of view on the direction of the field - the straight and narrow road and the broad and inclusive road. Which point of view do you agree with and why?

I agree everyone is a teacher and always will be.  As a teacher or designer you will always be a lifelong learner. With technology every changing and becomes more included in education and curriculum, I would agree the future of instructional design is board and inclusive.

Section 6: Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding At It

Section 6 of your textbook focuses on how to get a job in the profession of instructional design. These rules can also apply to educational technology as well since the two are so intertwined.

• Chapter 24 takes a look at lessons learned from the chapter's author for obtaining a position in instructional design. Take a look at a few of the sources provided for job openings from lesson 1 and search for at least 3 positions that are of interest to you. Describe the general nature of the positions and list the skills required for the job. Do you have these skills? 

1. Instructional design for GP E-Learning. They provide custom online training programs for different clients. Create online course and program support services.  The position was of interest because you can work from home.  You need a degree and up to threes years of experience with interactive training projects. Strong knowledge of Instructional design, delivery of Web based content and diverse multicultural background.
2. Instructional Designer-for a company called Insight- Responsible for the design and developments of systems, sales, product and management training deliverables. Knowledge and experience with ISD models and tools. Global positions Develop learning curriculum and guides and activities. Skills- Master or Bachelor Degree or equivalent in experience or certifications.  Experience with training design and direct experience and proven performance with concept, principals, and practices of training design and delivery. I chose this position because you can work in a global environment.
3. .Instructional Designer Job for YUM! Design e learning and blended solutions to supports strategies imitative for the business Operations 50 percent instructional design, 25 percent consulting, 15 percent vendor management and 10 percent analysis and measurement.  Skills- BA degree required. Instructional design certification or post graduate degree preferred with 5-8 years of experiences in instructional design with e-learning and blended solutions.  I choose this positions because the position consist of many roles and explain in great detail the expectations

I don’t have any skill in instructional design. After taking this class, I do have a desire to learn more about in and possible obtain a certification. I only took this class because blogging was involved, it was only eight weeks and technology was involved.

• Remember that the field of instructional/educational technology is not just focused on education, but on business and industry as well. Look at the resources provided on page 258 in chapter 25 and select one of these links and complete the self assessment. What did you learn about yourself from the assessment? 

I played the assessment game on The New University of Missouri Career Center. I found the game title Career Interest Game on the www.careeronestop.org.  The game allows you to find a careers base on something that interest you. I discovered my Holland code was CSE some possible career chose were Account, Clerk, Kindergarten teacher, and business teacher.   I work well with others and I am a very organized person. I am currently in the Alternative Certification program and I have considered teaching early childhoods as well as high school business classes. All the other job possibilities I had done before as teen. For example, cashier, file clerk and phone operations.

• Chapter 26 lists several websites for professional organizations and websites for professional publications. Visit 2-3 websites for professional organizations and 2-3 websites for the professional publications and address the following:
• Professional organizations:  International Society for Performance Improvement- http://www.ispi.org
• Mission

ISPI's mission is to develop and recognize the proficiency of its members and advocate the use of Human Performance Technology

Cost of membership

Regular ($165 annually; $195 outside of North America

Young Professional ($125 annually; $155 outside of North America)

Student ($60 annually; $90 outside of North America)

Retired ($60 annually; $90 outside of North America

Lifetime ($1,500 or less with longevity credit) --

• Publications

They have a resources section on there website that includes press releases.

• Conferences and meetings

Conferences is April 18-23, 2012- They have local chapter in Different states that have different meeting times and dates.

• Opportunities for professional development

They offer different certification in HPT and online courses for their members

The International Society for Performance Improvement has created certification and accreditation programs to prove proficiency, effectiveness and dedication to best practices in the industry

• Professional organizations:  Society for Applied Learning Technology http://www.salt.org
• Mission

The Society provides a means to enhance the knowledge and job performance of an individual by participating in Society sponsored meetings, and through receiving Society sponsored publications.

• Cost of membership

Annual dues of 100.00

• Publications

SALT® sponsored professional journals:

·         Journal of Applied Learning Technology (JALT)

·         Journal of Education Technology Systems (JETS)

SALT® archived journals:

·         Journal of Instruction Delivery Systems (JIDS)

·         Journal of Interactive Instruction Development (JIID)

• Conferences and meetings

February 15-17, 2012

• Opportunities for professional development

They have yearly conferences and provide job listing on there website.  Also they offer different management systems.

• Professional publications: American Educational Research Journal(AERJ)
• Focus/Goals of the journal: The aim of the book publications program is to publish works that advance knowledge, expand access to significant research and research analyses and syntheses, and promote knowledge utilization.
• Submission guidelines: As part of the submission process, authors are required to check off their submission’s compliance with all of the following items. Submissions may be returned to authors that do not adhere to these guidelines. Requirements apply to both SIA and TLHD sections unless otherwise indicated.
• Is this a peer reviewed journal? As you prepare your paper, you might take a look at the criteria under which it will be reviewed. See Reviewer Guidelines.
• Is the journal online? Yes
• Professional publications: Interactive Multimedia Electronic Journal of Computer Enhanced Learning
• Focus/Goals of the journal : IMEJ is a prototype for an interactive multimedia electronic journal edited and produced at Wake Forest University
• Submission guidelines: They no longer published journal but will keep current journal on the website.
• Is this a peer reviewed journal? Yes
• Is the journal online?  Yes
• How are the journal and organization useful to you and your career? Were you aware of the organizations/journals that you researched? 

This was a helpful exercise. I was able to find valuable resources and professional development for Instructional Design and Technology. If I pursue a career in Instructional Design I will defiantly use these resources.

• Chapter 27 looks at competencies for instructional design and technology professionals. If you were responsible for identifying the domains, competencies, and performance statements for a performance technologist, what would they include and why? 

Assessment would be a key competency. Also I would focus on analyzing learner characteristics and environment. The competencies will be focus on performance driven and improvement. It is important to make sure the competencies are in line with the skill set and knowledge of the employee. Lastly let other share their ideas and direction for the group. Assessment is a collection of data used to evaluate performance on what individuals are capable of doing or to identify what they know. Assessments can consist of tests and can be measured by performance. Assessments can determine individual performance in any given area.  Assessments can be computer based or paper based. Also, assessments can be used to assess small group work.

Section 5: Trends and Issues in Various Settings

Section 5 of your textbook focuses on trends and issues where instructional designers are likely to become employed to include business and industry, the military, the medical field, P-12 education, and higher education. This week's posting will focus primarily on military and education; however, I encourage you to read the chapter in the medical field as it's important to be aware of changes going on outside of education.

• Chapter 18 discusses instructional design in business and industry. Give an example of rapid prototyping and discuss how this could be used in education.

Rapid prototyping are models that are used during the start up process when designing a product. This process allows customer to be involved in the beginning development. Rapid prototyping help with increasing communication and decrease cost and time.  This can be used in education. For example if a district decided to invest in a new curriculum or a new technology, they can form a small prototyping group to get opinions from teachers to make sure product is effective and enhancing learning.

• Chapter 19 discusses instructional design opportunities in military education and training environments. Pretend you are hired as a consultant for the military. They want to use technology in its training, but electronic access is not always available. Using the Full Spectrum diagram, what alternatives could you suggest for a successful program?

Depending on the type of training, I believe military training should be hands on. If it was combat training for military medical personal, I would incorporate role playing to make the training visual and interactive. Also you can never go wrong with traditional paper and pen training. I would also show videos to make training more real life and hands on.

• GSTE. Outline a staff development activity that will introduce both methodologies to your colleagues.

• Navigating through the ranks of a faculty member in higher education can be tricky. A good institution has support for its faculty and provides faculty development opportunities to grow and learn. Research three different university offices for faculty development. Answer the following questions for each office:

University	Southern Methodist University-SMU	University of North Texas at Dallas	Clark Atlanta University
What are the different names used for faculty development?	Professional Development-Develop You	Training and Development and Certification Programs for supervisory positions	Organizational   Development
What division is it under?	Human Resource	Client Services- Business Service Center	Departments-Title II-Programs
What services does it offer?	Professional Development Workshops Skill building	- provide a variety of training and educational activities, classes, and seminars for University faculty and staff, which assists our constituents in improving institutional effectiveness	Training and development opportunities. Training areas of focus: 1. Leadership and Management 2. Institutional Advancement 3. Enrollment Management 4. Human Resources 5. Business and Fiscal Affairs 6. Process Improvement 7. Compliance
How often are programs given and what specifically are they?	Training offered monthly both morning and evening hour Calendar are on the website for schedule training s http://smu.edu/hr/develop/PDW/pdw.asp	Training offered monthly both morning and evening Calendar are on the website for schedule training http://bsc.untsystem.edu/training-development	http://www.cau.edu/Departments_TitleIII_Programs_orgdevelpment.aspx

Human Performance Technology

1.      Chapter 14 discusses the concept of the evolution of human performance improvement. Several sections of chapter 14 present a variety of non instructional solutions to performance problems. Identify a performance problem in your area of work and provide a non instructional solution to solve the problem. 

A year ago, I worked for a mortgage company that was reorganizing a department. I was there from the beginning. After working in the department for a year I felt like there was no focus on performance. Employee morale was low, and lack of communication to employee as to the direction of the department was really going. Employee behavior change and many of my team members were starting to come to work late often. Employees started leaving the company or wanted to transfer to different department, which open management eyes to start taking some action.

I went to work every day not knowing if I was doing my job right. Once I decided to leave the company. I was advice I was one of the top performer on my team. After voicing my concern, management advise they would start sending monthly stats out for the team. Also they advise they would do employee of the month. I am thankful that I was able to help with changing and improving employee morale before leaving the company. Human Performance Improvement is so important in the work place. Stating objective and giving feedback is important when it comes to performance in the workplace.

2.      Chapter 15 presents several definitions of electronic performance support systems. In addition to these definitions, locate a few more and indicate your preference explaining why you prefer it. Additionally, describe why you believe EPSS have not been widely used and if they are more likely be become more prevalent in the future. 

An Electronic Performance Support System is, according to Barry Raybould, "a computer-based system that improves worker productivity by providing on-the-job access to integrated information, advice, and learning experiences" (Raybould, 1991).

Gloria Gery defines it as "an integrated electronic environment that is available to and easily accessible by each employee and is structured to provide immediate, individualized on-line access to the full range of information, software, guidance, advice and assistance, data, images, tools, and assessment and monitoring systems to permit job performance with minimal support and intervention by others." (Gery, 1989).

https://www.msu.edu/~sleightd/epss_copy.html?pagewanted=all

I prefer Gloria definition because it explains in great detail. There is a look of instructional software that covers the elements of this definition, but they can be pricey. I believe the components of EPPS can be related to using technology in the classroom. It can be costly and require training. EPPS has not been widely used in the education and instruction due to one main characteristic is computer based. You have to take in consideration that some student may not have access to technology at home.

3.      Knowledge management is the way we manage information, share that information, and use it. Organizations, such as schools, are full of information/data and we must organize that data in a way that we can make sense of it. We use data to make decisions and good data=good decision making. Identify a real or hypothetical problem in your line of work. How might a blended learning approach, including the use of a knowledge management system, be use to solve the problem? 

A problem in my line of work is to minimize losses for the company. A solution to this problem is to build an access database which can categorize loss type and track them on a monthly basis. This will allow management to see losses that are accruing and find solutions to minimize losses, especially if it’s due to errors made by employee. This will also help with process improvements and allow management to focus on specific training needs.

4.      Describe the types of informal learning you have been exposed to in your adult life. What was the purpose? What was the experience like? Was it engaging? Social? What role did you play? What role did the instructor play? 

Informal learning for me is always spare of the moment. My motto is, never be afraid to ask question. The more questions you ask the more knowledge you gain. Since beginning the Alternative Certification program my sister has help me a lot.   She only been teaching for three year and I believe she is an exemplary teacher.  Through informal learning and observing her classroom, she has shown me the important of classroom management and the importance of having an engaged classroom environment. I am always an active listener when she come home and tells me stories about her class. Lastly as a future educator, I know I will be exposed to informal learning from my students daily.

http://community.flexiblelearning.net.au/ManagingFlexibleDelivery/content/article_6227.htm

Evaluating, Implementing and Managing Instructional

1. Chapter 10 discusses evaluation in instructional design and provides you with two evaluation models, the CIPP and Kirkpatrick models for evaluation. Search for at least two other models used for evaluation and summarize these models. Describe how you would use them to evaluate your instruction.

I choose the Transdisciplinay Evaluation Model and Consumer Oriented Evaluation Model.   The Transdisciplinay Evaluation Model is a model that some researcher can use to evaluate their own research. This model is classified with three disciplines that you can use for evaluation. They are   Field of Evaluation, Filed of Application and Discipline. As a future educator, I feel this model can be related to instruction.  Teachers can use this model to evaluation themselves on lesson taught to the students. The field of application can be represented by the lesson.  The discipline can be represent by the strategies use to convey the lesson to the students. The field of evaluation can measure using an assessment to see if the students mastered the lesson. Consumer Oriented Evaluation is related to customer product. Is there a need for the product and will customer go out and buy. Will you be evaluating the developed of the product are the end result of the product.  As this model relates to instruction, teacher have to continuous evaluate there students there out the year to know the strengths and weakness as a leaner. When teachers allow student to help facilitate their own learning it can make evaluation easier. This will allows teacher to make summative assessment of their students at the end of the year.

2. Think about a technological innovation within your social system that was recently introduced (social system = place of work, home, etc.). Any innovation has what is known as perceived attributes - relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. Describe these attributes of the innovation and which of the attributes assisted and/or hindered adoption of the innovation. For example, was it not compatible with the existing beliefs of the system or was it overly complex to use or understand?

There was a recent change at work. They removed the regular coffee machine with new digital coffee machines.

Relative advantage- cost effective and give employer a variety of choice (coffee, tea, and hot chocolate all dispense from one machine)

Compatibly- you can compare new machines to retailer coffees such as starbucks

Complexity- more thing consuming and reading through different screens then just putting on a pot of coffee.

Trialability- I think it took about a week to get use to the new machines. No communication from manage advising of the change and no instructions on how to use it. Using the machine was like trial and error for about a week.

 Observability-since the machine offer variety of choice –It  just doesn’t cater to coffee drinker, but to tea and hot chocolate drinker as well.

3. Chapter's 12 & 13 focus on project management and how to manage projects when resources are scarce. You have been assigned to develop a series of professional development sessions focusing on technology use in the classroom for teachers. How will you use Situational Leadership to facilitate this project?

I would focus on:

·         Relative advantage- each time you incorporate technology into your lesson make sure there is a relative advantage

·         Assessing what   resources are available and making sure the teacher are using them- We never want to waste money on funding technology because teachers are not using the resources

·         Example of ways to incorporate technology in the classroom

Digital story telling

Interactive PowerPoint’s

Instructional software-Internet

Pod cast for –iPods  products

Blogging

Section 2: Theories and Models of Learning and Instruction

Identify a specific goal and how you would incorporate two learning theories highlighted in Chapter 4 to achieve this goal.
I plan to teach middle school math after I finish the alternative certification program. I chose a specific learning goal dealing with teaching math. I choose this lesson because it allows students to facilitate their own learning. As a future teacher this groups activity will also help identify students that are having problems with area. This will allow me to groups these student and try other visual methods such as hands on manipulative.
Goal: The learning goal is for the students to discover the formula for area of a trapezoid through the manipulation of shapes that create a trapezoid. This activity will be deemed successful should the students to be able to verbalize why the area formula they discovers wok. This learning goal can be incorporate through the Constructivism Learning Theory and Situated Learning Theory. Students are in engage in learning. Constructivist teaching believes that students construct their own understanding by using their own experiences. New learning depends on prior understanding and knowledge. Learning is ale enhanced by social interaction with includes classroom group discussion. Situated Learning Theory is where student learn in a social environment. Providing an environment in which children can discover new concepts and ideas on their own allows for a strong connection and comprehension of the discovery of what is being taught.

Find a reference (other than the book) that describes Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction. Then create a table or chart that compares and contrast those events with the First Principle described in Chapter 7 and describe how you would apply each of the first principle to the goal you developed from the first activity in this reflection.

Please see below links for reference I chose that describes Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction. http://www.slideshare.net/CPappasOnline/robert-gagnes-instruction-design-model-the-nine-events-of-instructions

Learning Activity Students will construct the formula for a Trapezoid

Develop a new goal or using the one you’ve already developed, briefly describe how you might use the whole-task approach, scaffolding, and mathemagenic methods to help students learn a task.

I have chosen a new goal for the whole task approach, scaffolding, and mathemagenic methods to help students perform the task of identify pattern and relationships reviewing the concept of number sequence. Whole task- Students can relate to numbers sequence and patterns by having them identifying the pattern and number sequences of the address on the street they live on. This will allow the students to relate to something they see every day. Scaffolding- Each students will be directed to copy the data they collect on the board. We will have a class discussion where the students identify pattern and number sequence. Students will active prior knowledge of skipping counting and establish the relationship in identify number operation of addition and subtraction to find the missing pattern. Mathemagenic Methods- I will assess the students by having them explain and make inferences verbally about the patterns and relationship. This will allows the students to identify the pattern after establishing the relationship.

You have been hired to design a course for a topic in your area of specialization. Using table 9.2 as a template, what would you incorporate into each subcategory to motive learners.

 Study of the Civil War- Students will understand the cause and effects of the Civil War

Finally, after completing these activities, discuss the benefit of engaging in design research.

 I really like the saying “lifelong learners”, you never stop learning. I feel you have to have a passion for learning.  It’s important to be a lifelong learner for yourself and your students. You have to make learning fun, hands on, and engaging. In order for students to receive a good quality education there has to be teachers who are aware of their individuals needs. Design research cans create this environment for instruction. Teacher helps their students to perform and meet their fullest potential by providing a safe and motivating environment.

Defining The Field

1. I am currently not teaching in the classroom, but I do feel technology should be incorporated in the classroom. At this current time in my life I am working for a mortgage company and going through the Alternative Certification Program. As this class relates to my current work environment, I agree with the books definition of instructional design and technology. Technology is the source of my daily job functions. Throughout the year I have to complete viral training without an instructor. My manger is always thinking of ways were our team can use training material to improve our process daily and minimizes losses. Also, I have monthly evaluations to make sure I am meeting and exceeding production goals. I compile and maintain various spreadsheets for tracking purposes. I would define instructional design and technology as it relates to the work places a, which will help drive performance improvement that will actively engage the learner that includes designs solutions that are businesslike and innovative




2. As it relates to my daily job, I centered the Dick Carey Model on my production/performance driven monthly goals.
 Analyze learn context- During this stage it critical that you understand job duties
 Instructional Analysis- During this stage your abilities and skills are needed to obtain your goals.
 Know performance objectives-During this stage performance can be measure as it relates to your goals
 Develop assessment and conduct elevation-During this stage data is gathered to assist with process and performance improvement

3. Technology is ever changing. There are always major technological innovations that are in the forefront in today’s society. Look at the many additions of the I-Phone for example. As it relates to education, I believe students need visual and hands on learning. I think students retain more information in a visual learning environment. With today’s technology it’s important to engaging students in activities that involve technology. Technology can be expensive so there should be a relative advantage when using technology in the school systems for K-12 education. Online classes are convenient for students to work full-time jobs and still obtain a degree in higher education. Lastly, as a future educator, blogging seem fun and it is definitely something I will try to incorporate in my classroom. It is a great way for students to express what they are learning using technology.