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 Topic
A7: Identifying and Assessing Available Technologies
Introduction
Identifying and assessing available instructional
technologies can be approached from many different perspectives.
In this topic, we will
start with a definition of instructional technology so we can, in turn,
identify some of the available technologies. We will then assess the
use of the technology by reviewing questions you need to ask from three
perspectives before committing to the use of that technology. Assessment
of a technology in a specific instructional objective is beyond the
scope of this module.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of Topic A7, you will be able to:
- Define instructional technology.
- Identify 3 ways of grouping instructional technologies
such that they relate to teaching and course management.
- List at least 3 synchronous and 3 asynchronous
technologies currently in use today.
- Ask pertinent questions that would help assess
whether a technology should or could be used.
Content – Instructional
Technology Defined
Before we get started with looking at specific technologies, let's look
at a definition of instructional technology. The Association for Educational
Communications and Technology (AECT) recognizes the following definition:
"Instructional technology is the theory and practice of design,
utilization, management and evaluation of processes and resources for
learning" (Seels & Richey, 1994, p.1). If this is the accepted
definition of instructional technology, then instructional technology
isn't about the technology. So why are we here?
We are here because after you consider the instructional
design, theory, management, etc., you will utilize some form of media
and delivery approach. When you do, you need to know a little bit about
some of your choices. As the introduction indicated, we will look at
technology by providing and exploring some of the answers to why, what,
and when.
Bibliography
Seels, B. B., & Richey, R. C. (1994). Instructional technology: The definition
and domains of the field. Washington, DC: Association for Educational Communications
and Technology.
| Learning
Activity I - Instructional Technology Defined |
| Before you can identify or assess instructional
technology, you first need to know what it is. We have seen the
statement the AECT accepts as the definition, and you will see how
it is described it in the next section. However, how would you define
instructional technology? Write your definition in a discussion
on this Available
Technologies forum, then ask for others to provide theirs. |
Now, let's see how your definition compares to the research
and exploration of the AECT definition.
Check the Research
Instructional Technology and Personnel
Preparation
In the article, "Instructional Technology and Personnel Preparation,"
the authors provide an interesting perspective on instructional technology
that expands and supports the definition accepted by the AECT. Read
the article written by Hains, Ann Higgins; Belland, John; Conceicao-Runlee,
Simone; Santos, Rosa Milagros; and Rothenberg, Dianne. It can be found
online by going to the Blackboard.com
Resources Site and entering the title of this article in the search
field on the left.
 
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