Professional Settings

I am very interested in working in the educational setting. I currently teach fourth grade, however, I would like the opportunity to work outside of the regular classroom. Next school year, I may be able to become the technology teacher at my school. My role would be teaching students technology from kindergarten to fifth grade. I would also train staff how to integrate technology into their lessons. After reading our text, I realize that I may be called upon to help with school improvement. If I become the technology teacher, I will be a part of the school improvement team. This is a team of administrators, teachers, and staff. The purpose of this team is to make improvements within our school. If I am given this opportunity, I believe that it will help me to decide if this career is right for me.

Eventually, I may decide to work in other school settings such as high school or middle school. I have flirted with the idea of working at the county office, community college or university level. I enjoyed reading the chapter about the role of instructional designers in higher education. I found that reading about the professors’ responsibilities gave me a better perspective of their careers. The professors were honest in their responses and I found that information to be valuable.

I am interested in a wide range of careers. I know that if I have questions it is best to talk to someone who has had experience in a particular field. I want to talk to someone who is honest and will specify all that is involved in their career. I know that in whatever path I chose, I want to be involved in a fulfilling career. 

Instructional Media

I am very interested in using different computer programs and the Internet. I also like to show videos when possible to my students.

On the computer my students work on Accelerated Reader tests and Star Reading Tests. The Star test helps me determine the reading levels of my students. I have in the past used Accelerated Math to help students practice their math skills.

I also search the Internet to find educational websites that my students can visit to practice skills. For example, we are practicing our multiplication and division facts. I found about 5 websites that students can visit and practice their facts. I have also found websites where students can balance equations as well. For projects, students use the Internet to conduct research on their topics.

I love to share videos with my class. At our school we use United Streaming that is produced by the Discovery Channel. We have watched videos on the layers of the earth, volcanoes, and earthquakes. The students enjoy watching the videos. I can stop and pause the video so we can discuss information that is being presented.

I know that computers, the Internet, and videos will continue to be a major component in classrooms for a long time. Computer programs are available to students and there is always another program being created. I would like to do the computer programs, Orchard and Study Island, more with my students. I would love to have my students work on PowerPoint presentations for projects instead of making class posters.

In the future, the Internet will continue to be utilized in classrooms. The learning possibilities are endless. The Internet connects the world and students. I would like to use Wikis and blogs with my students. I feel that would give them a great opportunity to work on their writing skills. 

I would like to learn more about the virtual reality world. So many people are involved in a virtual world. It would be interesting to learn more about how it can be used as an educational tool. 

 

ISD Model

My personal assessment of the ISD model is that it is an effective process in developing instruction. I like how there are a variety of different models to choose from. What may work well for one instructor may not work well for another. I will focus on the ADDIE model for my entry.

I feel that the ADDIE model has numerous strengths. The analysis phase covers needs, content, task, and contextual analysis.  It helps the instructor identify the audience and what needs the audience may have. It can also help answer the question what do students need to know in order to understand the concept being taught. I believe that this phase is beneficial because it provides important information for the instructor about the instruction they are about to design for students.

Another strength is the design, development, and implementation phases. The instructor uses information gathered during the analysis phase to design instruction that will be beneficial to the students. The steps in the ADDIE process focus the instructor’s attention on how he or she wants to deliver instruction. It is during this phase that instructors determine what activities the students will complete. There are a variety of activities, such as cooperative groups and inquiry based learning, that instructors can choose to meet the needs of their students.

Evaluation is a very important strength of the ADDIE model. I feel that it is imperative that instructors have summative and formative evaluations of instruction. This step allows the instructor to reflect on the instruction and decide if an area needs to be improved or if an area worked really well.

I do feel that there are no weaknesses in this model. If instructors do not like this model, they may prefer to use a different model. Personally I like this straightforward model.

I have used all aspects of this model in my teaching career.  Many of these processes have become second nature to me. When I was reading the lesson I realized that I do these steps without even knowing it. I do feel that I do not get enough practice in the analysis phase of the process. It has already been determined what the students will be taught and I know my audience to a certain extent. In reading this lesson my awareness has increased in planning instruction. I feel like I have been on autopilot planning instruction. I wish that I had more time to plan effective instruction. I try to improve each year but I always feel like there is never enough time. I strongly believe that we need teacher workdays once every two weeks so we could have uninterrupted time in developing instruction.

How People Learn

I believe that people learn by being actively engaged in the learning process. There have been times when I am teaching and I may chose to present my information as a lecture. When I am presenting the information I can look at my students and see that some have that glazed look on their face. That is when I know that I need to change my delivery of instruction. I have found that when I give students a project to complete they are more involved. I make sure that the directions and expectations of the project are clear so that the students are focused on learning and not playing. 

To accommodate my students learning and understanding I try to meet their needs in various ways. In math I use manipulatives as often as I can and I utilize websites that help them practice the skills they learned in class. In reading I teach in small groups and have centers where students are expected to complete the assigned tasks. I group my students according to ability and the groups change several times throughout the school year.  I feel that by doing these practices I am keeping the students engaged and I avoid the glazed over look from them. The students enjoy working in centers and they have expressed that they would much rather do that than sit at their desk and listen to me lecture.

I feel that I use a combination of all the learning theories in my teaching. However, I feel most comfortable with constructivism. I feel that it is important for students to have meaningful, authentic assignments. I try to relate the topics that I teach to the real world.  I am in no way a pro at developing authentic assignments but I try. When students realize that what they are learning is relevant to their lives and futures they are amazed.  We discuss how what they have learned will help them in college, careers, and everyday life. 

Careers in Instructional Technology

I really enjoyed looking at all the possible careers in instructional technology.  I feel now feel confident that I made the right choice in deciding to go into this field.  I have taught fourth grade for five years now and I would like to pursue a career outside the classroom.  It is nice to know that I when I obtain my master’s degree I will have many opportunities to choose from.

I searched several different websites and I narrowed my list to about five careers.  One of the careers that really caught my attention was an Instructional Designer for Region’s Financial located in Alabama.  The job description for the instructional designer includes identifying training needs for clients, design courseware, evaluate training, and perform project management of training projects.  The designer must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and publishing software.  The qualifications include experience in designing course content, banking experience, using ADDIE model to design instruction, use a variety of delivery methods for instruction, and have project management experience.  Educational requirements include a Master’s Degree in Instructional Design or Instructional Technology or Bachelors degree in Education, or one to three years experience in Instructional Design.

I would consider applying for this job once I receive my degree.  Sometimes I feel that maybe I would be happier outside the classroom.  In working with this company I feel that I would still have the opportunity to design instruction but it would be for a different audience. I also feel that I would be highly qualified since I have a Bachelor’s in Education and, in the future, a Master’s in Instructional Technology.  I would not be excited about relocating to Alabama.  I would hate to move so far from my family and friends.

If you are interested in checking out this job the website name is American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and the url is www.astd.org

Initial Definition of Instructional Technology

My current definition of instructional technology is utilizing technology in the classroom.  This technology includes students using specific computer programs to help design presentations or using the internet to research topics.  Instructional technology also involves teachers.  Teachers may use programs or the internet to help their students learn a new concept.  In our school we use our laptop cart.  As teachers, we are able to use these laptops in our classrooms.  Our students use these laptops to research topics, type reports, and prepare powerpoint presentations. Our teachers also search for different websites to use in the classroom.  We have found several cool websites that help our students write poetry, practice their math skills, and maintain learning through interactive games. Instructional technology is an essential part of learning.  Technology is a way of life.  Students and teachers must be proficient in using technology in order to compete in the world.