Definition

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 // ** Instructional Technology is a tool that captures your audience attention and also extends their developmental skills. ** // Instructional Technology could be defined as many things due to the unlimited upgrades in the ever changing technology field. It is a broad field because it could be delivered several different ways in example, computers, video games, usage in the classroom, radio, satellite, etc. Instructional technology is one of many tools used to capture an audience attention and extend their developmental skills; it is a field concerned with improving the efficiency and effectiveness of instruction. One will be able to utilize this information if he or she has a vast understanding of what has been presented to them. Instructional technology is surrounded by ones mental capability to comprehend several processes. These processes include, but not limited to, utilization skills, design skills, management skills, development skills, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning.

Instructional Technology Involves: Ø Designing instruction (including all the phases of activity from needs assessment to evaluation) Ø Applying learning theory to instructional design Ø Selecting delivery systems and designing techniques for a given delivery system assessing human characteristics Ø Conducting process and product evaluation Ø Managing change and adopting innovations Ø Building teams and managing projects Ø Integrating instruction with other factors that influence human performance Ø Implementing delivery to reach learners when they need it Ø  Using technology in support of the development and delivery of instruction **//One will be able to utilize this information if he or she has a vast understanding of what has been presented to them. //**

 Controversial issues within Instructional Technology:

One of the most controversial issues inside the instructional technology field includes the concern of students social behavior.

•Students lacking social skills: Many researchers tend to believe, students who are frequently involved in instructional technology are often not as social as students who are in a traditional classroom setting. The computer social environment does not provide the same level of interactivity as face to face communication. This often produces anti-social behavior, or accentuates problems, such as bullying. However these students are more advanced in problem solving and networking skills.

Delivery Methods

•Delivery methods have evolved to reflect new strategies over the years. Even though there are many methods of delivery, such as film, computer assisted learning, E-Learning, small group discussions (from classroom to video conferencing) etc, I will only discuss a couple. Film- mainly used by the military, this method was recognized as an effective method of training combatants. As technology progressed, this method migrated into the educational field. E-Learning- can be defined as the integration of information and communications technology; learning and teaching both on and off campus. This method has been adopted to serve "non traditional" students who are unable to attend on-campus classes. This method can range from notes displayed on the Internet, to complex multimedia productions and can include online discussion groups.

Instructional technology usage in my present and future career

Currently I am a High School Teacher for a alternatives program dealing specifically with E-Learning. This program is a computer based, self learning program. The students do 100% of their work on their individual computer. There are no direct instructions to be given compared to traditional classroom teaching. My job consists of many things, but for the most part I am there to assist the students with questions or concerns they may have problems with. I believe it is the perfect example of what E-Learning consists of. As for my future, I plan to be working in the medical field, in which technology changes daily. Instructional Technology will also play a major role in this career for me, due to the constant medical and technical modifications mandated to stay current in my job field.