INSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

The following article focuses on the advantages and the necessity of infusing
instructional technologies in education. But, first of all, what is Instructional technology? It is
the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation of
processes and resources for learning, according to the Association for Educational
Communications and Technology (AECT)
Instructional Technology is often referred to as a part of educational Technology but the use
of these terms has changed over the years. Nowadays it is mostly, the use of a variety of
teaching tools to improve student learning. We usually think of computers and computers
software when we think of instructional technology, but this is not limited to computers in the
classroom.
Instructional technology describes all tools that are used for teaching and learning such as:
Cameras, CD players, PDAs, GPS devices, computer-based probes, calculators and electronic
tools we have yet to discover.
Students and teachers use computer software and internet resources to locate, process,
and present information, learn and assess their skills, so, considering the need for special staff
development opportunities and ongoing maintenance, researchers have developed an
Instructional design which is the practice of maximizing the effectiveness, efficiency and appeal
of instruction and other learning experiences. The process consists broadly of determining the
current state and needs of the learner, defining the end goal of instruction, and creating some
intervention to assist in the transition. Ideally the process is informed by pedagogically and
andragogically tested theories of learning.

Learning Design
This is the use of a wide range of teaching methods in online learning. Rather than
attempting to capture the specifics of man strategies of instruction, it does this by providing a
generic and flexible language. This language is designed to enable man different styles of
instruction to be expressed. The approach has the advantage over alternatives in that only one set
of learning design and runtime tools need to be implemented in order to support the desired wide
range of teaching styles. A criticism of learning Design theory is that learning is an outcome.
While instructional theory Instructional Design focuses on outcomes, while properly accounting
for a multi-variate context that can only be predictive, it acknowledges that a guarantee of
reliable learning outcomes is improbable. We can onl design instruction. We cannot design
learning.
Instructional Design Models

Perhaps the most common model used for creating instructional materials is the ADDIE
Process. This ac ronym stands for the 5 phases contained in the model:

Analyze: Analyze learner characteristics, task to be learned, etc.
Design: Develop learning objective, choose an instructional approach.
Develop: Create instructional or training materials.
Implement: Deliver or distribute the instructional materials.
Evaluate: Make sure the materials achieved the desired goals.

Dick and Carey
This is another well-known instructional design model is the Dick and Carey Systems
Approach Model. The model was originally published in 1987 by Walter Dick and Lou Carey in
their book entitled The Systematic Design of Instruction.

The components of the Systems Approach Model, also known as the Dick and Carey
Model, are as follows:
Identify Instructional Goal(s)
Conduct instructional analysis
Analyze learners and contexts
Write performance objectives
Develop assessment instruments
Develop instructional strategy
Develop and select instructional materials
Design and conduct formative evaluation of instruction
Revise instruction
Design and conduct summative evaluation

Instructional development learning System
This is another instructional design mode. It was originally published in 1970 by Peter J.
Esseff, Ph D and Mary Sullivan Esseff, PhD in their book entitled IDLSPro Trainer 1: how to
Design, Develop, and Validate Instructional Materials.

The components of the IDLS Model are:

Design a Task Analysis
Develop Criterion test and performance measures
Develop interactive instructional materials
Validate the interactive instructional materials.

Learning theories also play an important role in the design of instructional
materials. Theories such as behaviorism, constructivism, social learning and cognitivist help
shape and define the outcome of instructional materials. Newer technologies used to enhance and
facilitate learning is a major part of this evolutionary process: as they adapt to current practice,
new technologies become less visible. Yet simultaneously, by adopting these new technologies,
current practice continuously evolves.