New Directions in Instructional Design and Technology

This last section focuses on E-learning and Instructional Design.  As the authors stated, even though the internet is still the main source of learning so many other avenues have emerged that cannot be ignored. Virtual social learning communities and personal technologies shed new light on E-learning.  With proper use instructors can open can introduce real world problems to students while opening up the world globally.  As instructors though we just need to make it is just not the tool we use, but that students are experiencing effective learning.

Picture courtesy of:  http://goo.gl/LkVAi

Distributed learning is a term to describe learning environments that can be customized to meet different learning styles whether students are on campus or off. Students receive instruction that in an interactive and collaborative environment with a variety of technology tools.  They are able to learn at their own pace and at a time that is convenient for them.  While our library doesn’t offer specific learning online, the library does offer opportunities for the school employees to use the library computers for continuing education.  This is so helpful since the demand for education not offered in our district, can be completed online.  We have several teacher aids working toward their teaching certificates and others who are working to complete their GED or improve their English.  As a librarian I could provide a list links to educational websites that promote continuing education.  The list could be accessed through the library webpage at work or home.  Some other sites I felt would fit in a library were: 
1. Goodwill Community Foundation - provides free lesson to help you create opportunities for a better life.  http://www.gcflearnfree.org 
2. The Global Virtual Classroom - which offers free, online educational activities and resources.  Their purpose is to assist governments and educators around the world incorporate technology in their lessons in productive ways. http://www.virtualclassroom.org/

Picture Courtesy ofhttp://goo.gl/qYaCU

Reuseable -I remember using an interactive response system when I taught 7th Grade Science called Quizdom. The kids loved it because they each had their own remote and when they answered correctly their race car would move ahead of the others.  When I was first introduced to the program it came with prewritten programs.  They were really good but didn’t always fit everything we were studying or there was more information that we had covered.  I learned to take the program and add my own questions, import pictures and design my own reviews with the material provided.  The other science teachers loved it and I would share with everyone.  The kids also enjoyed it because so many were visual learners and the pictures helped explain some of the questions or gave clues about the answers.  In the library, my aids used the tutorial on the Dewey System at the beginning of the year to help them reshelve books.  The online tutorial, Order In the Library, could be considered a type of practice object. Students practiced their knowledge of the Dewey System using skill and drill with feedback that led to understanding of the process.

Picture courtesy of http://goo.gl/2JKYp

Rich Media is described in the book (p.310) as “instructional programs that incorporate high-end media such as video, animation and audio”.  When the instructor integrates these into the lesson the student becomes engaged in the learning process. In the library I have used Animoto to make book trailers for students to view.  These involve audio, text and visuals which if properly designed draw the user into learning the information presented about the book. When our new district website is finished I plan to post links to the Animotos for students to view from anywhere. Glogster is online poster tool that students could use to create book reviews to use in the library to help others.  In their review, they could add text, pictures and videos all related to the book. With Glogster you click on the different areas of the poster to find information about the book. If others found the review interesting they would be encouraged to check the book out. 

The knowledge and use of Emerging Technologies in the 21st Century Library is so important for schools.  Our students are digital natives and they want to use the technology tools they have grown up with in their education. There are wiki’s, blogs, Google docs plus many others.  Information about books could be used with these as well as research for the Google Docs.  No paper to carry around or notes to take, the document stores it all and it can be accessed anywhere. Any school library would fit in here so well, because so many of the Web 2.0 tools students have been using may not have been used safely and it is our job to educated them on the correct use of emerging technologies while helping keep them safe.  Soon our school library will change to allow students to access information from the library and Web with their Student ID number.  Now we have passwords which give them access to the library’s catalog and EBSCO database from anywhere.  I can see in the future a type of artificial intelligence card catalog system that will suggest books based on the students past selections and other information stored about them. There are so many definitions of cybernetics out there but one that helped me understand how it fit into the role of learning was this definition, the “Science of regulation and control in animals (including humans), organizations, and machines when they are viewed as self-governing whole entities consisting of parts and their organization. It was conceived by Norbert Wiener, who coined the term in 1948”. They compared it to computers that are almost human like.  This reminded me of those services that you call about your credit card and you answer the questions the computer asks. I can see the use of these type systems in the future in the library also as it seems to be closely related to artificial intelligence.

Picture courtesy of http://www.onlineschools.com/blog

At this time in our library does not support virtual worlds or online gaming but both can be an asett to younger and struggling readers. They both promote information and problem seeking skills.  In Eric Meyers’ article, ”Virtual worlds, real learning,” he states  “virtual worlds offer a plethora of educational tools, decoding and encoding processes, exposure to information visualization, socialization opportunities, and communication developments”.  He goes on to state this is not to take the place of literacy tools already in place but it should complement print books, audio books, e-books and others.  These online sites promote reading comprehension and allow the development of information seeking.  When many people tease me about the library going away one day I see this as proof there will always be a need for librarians to connect people with information whatever form that may take.
_____________________________________

Cybernetics - http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cybernetics

Meyers, E. M. “Virtual worlds, real learning.” School Library Monthly, (2009)26(3): 50-52.

Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at It

Picture courtesy of http://goo.gl/d4V2F

I feel so blessed to serve as the librarian for Mount Pleasant Junior High.  I had taught science for seven or eight years before and always loved working with technology in addition to working one on one with students.  Our district wants teachers to read to their classes stories whose subject can be tied into the curriculum.  This helped engage my students and helped promote a love of reading.  In the fall of 2009, our librarian decided to retire at the beginning of the year.  I have always loved libraries and bookstores and told a friend of mine I would love that job.  I knew I would have to return to school for my masters degree but she encouraged me to apply. I discussed this with my principal and applied to the Texas A&M - Commerce Library Science/Educational Technology program. That was almost three years ago and now I am enrolled and about to complete my masters degree in May 2013.  I plan to keep working at the Junior High when I graduate, but I expect to take on more duties within the district and help the District Librarian.

Picture courtesy of http://goo.gl/d4V2F

 
After graduation I want to stay in the education field.  I plan on keeping my job as a librarian and I hope to receive a  small raise since I will have my masters. Even with the same job, I would like to work in a little higher capacity eventually.  Using the WorkMatrixTM I feel like I fell within the 1st and 3rd  levels of service. Since I have been working in the library, I now have a better relationship now with most of the staff on our campus and I would like to use this connection to hold workshops offering teachers training on more ways they can incorporate technology into their instruction.  Right now I do not have an aid to keep the library open when I am gone so I feel limited when I think of all the things I would like to accomplish in the future.  After taking these classes though I feel as if I have the skills to help with designing instructional models to use in the classroom, especially in the area of science. I love working with technology and would also like to redesign our library website, making it user-friendly and as a way to communicate with students,parents, and faculty. One reason I love this job is the location-it is close to home, the salary here is higher than most other school districts in the area and from workshops and conferences I learn skills to help with my job and share with others.

I feel I have all of the skills and qualifications needed for this job.  I have finished my library classes, passed the exam and have worked closely with the District Librarian the past two years.  Even though the instruction was very beneficial, the hands on training at the same time helped to reinforce the lessons.  I have really enjoyed the Educational Technology classes, they have given me examples of how to tie technology specifically into learning projects I can use with students in the library or share with teachers.  Next semester I will be taking one extra ETEC class to fulfill the hours I need to graduate.  In all of the educational technology classes I have learned so much to help me in the future. 

Picture courtesy of http://goo.gl/pLwAA

My membership in the Texas Library Association (TLA) Association has been a big asset in my job as a librarian.  The state meeting is so informative and you come away with lots of information on legislation, ideas for the library, using technology in the library and of course lots of good books.  In the field of Instructional Design I found the following organizations that I felt I would fit into best. The Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) is a professional organization consisting of educators and others whose activities are directed toward the effective use of technology to improve learning. One piece of information I found interesting was this group dates back to the mid 1980 with it’s origins in audio-visual design and development.  Back then their total membership was about 20,000 but today that membership is closer to  2000.  This is due to suffering from poor economic times and the development of newer organizations and technology conferences. The benefits offered to students and educators who join before graduation can be especially helpful.  According to the AECT website, if I were to join as a graduate student I could enjoy using a specially designated division known as the Graduate Student Assembly which is open to all graduate students.  Also an Open Content Portal, developed by interns and operated by the Graduate Student Assembly, provides a resource by which educational technology scholars and researchers can share how they teach and what they teach in their courses. I might be eligible for awards and scholarships (selective) available through the Educational Communication and Technology (ect) Foundation, paid internships (selective) are offered at the AECT Annual International Convention, mentoring opportunities and finally members qualify for a discount on Geico automobile insurance. (I had to include that one, although it is nice it just didn’t seem like it fits in with the others.) Their conference this next year is October 29 - November 2 in Anaheim, California.  This next year's convention theme is Innovate! Integrate! Communicate!  From the title they want educators to walk away with information related to Innovative applications of new and emerging technologies, educational applications of current research in related disciplines, implications of current research in Neuroscience for learning, application of learning analytics, the state of social media as a tool for learning, methods for influencing educational policy and research methods for new and emerging technologies.  Between the organization and the conferences I would gain so much information to help me with my studies and future work in the field of Educational Technology.

The Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), founded in 1981, is an international, not-for-profit, educational organization with the mission of advancing Information Technology in Education and E-Learning research, development, learning, and its practical application. The organization serves a variety of fields including researchers, developers, professors, trainers, administrators, directors, evaluators, graduate students, policy decision-makers, trainers, adult educators, practitioners, and other specialists in education, industry, and government with an interest in advancing knowledge and learning with Information Technology in Education and E-Learning.  As a graduate student I would be eligible for a  membership at half the price of a professional membership.  The benefits from a  AACE Student Membership includes a subscription to one AACE print Journal, full online access to all back issues of the Journal selected, online subscription to the AACE Journal (formerly Educational Technology Review), discount on AACE conference registrations and proceedings, discount subscriptions to additional AACE journals, full access to the Career Center and Job Board, and all the benefits of AACE Membership.  All of these would give me an opportunity to participate in the organization, make connections with older members and learn of new advancements in the field.  There are about five conference groups I saw associated with this organization.  The one I thought looked most promising is called SITE. The Society of Information Technology and Teacher Education is a society of AACE.  It is is an international association of individual teacher educators, and affiliated organizations of teacher educators in all disciplines, who are interested in the creation and dissemination of knowledge about the use of information technology in teacher education and faculty/staff development.  They are holding a conference this year March 25 - 29 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  According to past attendees, I would be introduced to learn and share innovative ideas about integrating technology for the classroom from USA and the international community. Insight on impacting on how to impact the teacher education program would also be provided.

Picture Courtesy of http://goo.gl/YBnMd

This last group is the one that sounded most interesting and would one that would fit what I am looking for in an organization. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)  is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving learning and teaching by advancing the effective use of technology in PK–12 and teacher education, according to the website.  This group represents more than 100,000 education leaders and emerging leaders throughout the world and informs its members regarding educational issues of national and global scope. An affiliate of this group is TCEA which meets in Austin each spring.  I have not had the opportunity to attend but would love to in the future.   As a graduate student, the membership is $45 in ISTE which would give me access to following:  Learning & Leading with Technology magazine (online), 30% ISTE books discount, 60% ISTE webinars discount, Access to NETS resources, Access to ISTE's member communities and special interest groups (SIGs) and ISTE annual conference and exposition registration discount. Their conference this year will be held in San Antonio,June 23 - 26.  Those attending will be able to choose from hundreds of professional development sessions, try emerging ed-tech solutions, make connections with others in the field and collaborate with like-minded professionals. I have been a librarian for a few years now, but this organization would be helpful for young librarians or teachers who just starting to incorporporate technology into their instruction.  They would learn from others that it is not just about the tool, but how to use that tool in instruction.
_________________________________________

Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) -http://goo.gl/xRgOr
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE) - http://www.aace.org/about.htm
International Society for Technology in Education - http://www.iste.org/about-iste

Trends and Issues in Various Settings

I am very close to finishing my coursework in order to be a Certified Librarian.  I actually work right now in a Junior High library and so much of what I have learned in all my classes has helped me with my job. I believe school libraries provide information and ideas that are critical to working in today's knowledge and technology based society and study after study can make a connection between student achievement and school libraries.  I love helping students pick out books and suggesting books to others who are unsure.  I feel there is a book out there for everyone from graphic novels, biographies to any type of fiction.

Chapter 18 dealt with instructional designs in Business and Industry.  Addressing all the changes that occur in the corporate world is not easy task and quite a challenge to instructional designers. Today they are expected to work with less time in designing, yet deliver the training quicker plus insure that the stakeholders will make a profit.  One technology tool that stood out as a big help in the corporate world would be Rapid Prototyping. Specifically Rapid Prototyping involves developing “a working model of an instructional product that is used early in a project to assist in the analysis, design, development and evaluation of an instructional innovation”.  At the beginning of the year I removed two bookcases and weeded a tremendous amount of outdated books.  I then rearranged the furniture and this really opened up the library. Soon after that the principal came to me with the idea of putting in a media center.  I am not sure how much room he needs exactly but I believe it would fit in the back part of the room.  If this idea becomes reality I think a Rapid Prototyping tool like Google Sketchup would be a great asset in the beginning.  We would be able to create a quick fabrication of a physical model using three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) data. We could place windows, doors, furniture, locate flaws, while checking for form, fit and flexibility in the plan.

Chapter 19 dealt with challenges instructional designers have in working with the military.  Our servicemen are so dedicated to our country, putting the needs of others before their own.  To help insure their survival, proper training of these men and women is critical.  I found the Full-Spectrum design serves as a good guide when preparing our troops.  Instructional designers  work to create “train-the-trainer” materials for the delivery of their product.  In addition to making sure the materials are effective and efficient, researchers also study the various ways ethnic groups learn best  when preparing material for various jobs.  The design takes trainers  through the classroom training, garrison/base then on to deployment.  The instructional material also discusses the theories underlying the design and why they were chosen. The instruction is accomplished using technology and other forms of available resources such as guides that can be printed when deployed to the field. According to the design the more skills you possess the higher your rank and the more capabilities you develop.  Once finished these Trainers are then prepared to train the troops below them. 

Photo courtesy of http://goo.gl/kcmDo

The Full-Spectrum design training would work very well for me since I am the only librarian in our library.  I only have student aids and I must train them very well at the beginning of the year in order for library to run smoothly.  Many of my student aids know very little about the library at the beginning of the year.  I give them a short introduction to the Dewey System, explain how the system works and how books are organized in the library.  I then let them practice with a computer program called Order in the Library.  This is a simulation type of learning where individuals sort books based on their spine labels.  Once they feel confident we practice putting books on the shelves.  I also show them our cataloging system Destiny for checking out books on the computer.  This usually does not take very long.  I let them watch me a few times then I let them work with supervision at first.  I have been very blessed this year the students who work with me catch on quickly and we have very few errors checking out material. Just as in the army once these students are trained they hold the knowledge to train any new students aids who come to work in the library. One area I could improve in would be to prepare a folder with all the information I teach them at the beginning of the year, then they could refer back to it if needed.  This would be like the printed guides the army uses when men have been deployed to the field.

One other area I read about was the medical field.  It is so interesting to read about especially today because of all the changes in the healthcare area and new laws.  Although technology and instruction are a very important part of this field, the one approach I found most interesting deals with an area we try to present in our schools today.  This is applying learning in a problem-solving context rather than applying knowledge to solve problems just as they do in constructivist classroom.  In the field of medicine, it is known as the Post-Flexner Phase in Medical Education. It focuses on “problem solving and cognition in addition to science”. (p.198). The reasoning behind this phase of medical school was to enables students to synthesize information from several areas and “develop transferable problem solving competence while also learning self-study skills for lifelong learning” (textbook, p.199).  Cases are presented to a group of medical students who study the problems of the patient, come up with hypothesis, gather data and discuss information directly related to the case. The only issue the textbook discussed with using problem based learning were proposed differences between what the curriculum teaches what the exam measures. Research is looking into ways now to better assess clinical solving on licensure exams.

Photo courtesy of http://goo.gl/Lz7BH

This year I have worked with different classes which come in to the library to help them incorporate more technology into their classes.  The first project we worked on together dealt with a science activity.  Students worked in groups of three on a vocabulary project for force and motion. I constructed an Animoto video to explain to students what their teacher expected. My video was just 30 seconds and I went through step by step explaining how to set up pictures and slides and create the video.  Working in their groups they defined the words, found pictures which demonstrated meaning of the word and then used the work in a sentence.  The students would explain to each other how they thought the word would look in a picture and using knowledge they had gained from each other use this word in a sentence.  They were able to use the internet site Sweet Search which is just for students.  The sources here are reliable and helps them find sources quicker.  Their teacher was present to offer guidance and advice.  

Instructional designers in Higher Education are very close to other faculty and staff members at the school.  From reading the chapter I noted the instructional designer must be a leader, possess critical thinking skills and be experts at problem solving.  Many worked with other faculty members with varying backgrounds in education.  They collaborated together to analyze learners and come up with an environment which would engage learners in the learning process.  Some universities in Australia were still focusing on teacher led lesson which instructional designers worked to turn around into more student centered learning models. Others worked to introduce the faculty to distance learning production process. Overall in these institutions of higher education the use of instructional designers became “critical to the success of organizations where faculty members are trained in content but not pedagogy”. (p.218) This is just what librarians try to achieve today, training teachers to engage students with the latest type of technology to include in instruction.