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.