Before answering the following questions, I wanted to mention that I really enjoyed the "written symposium" structure of this chapter.
Identify 2 or 3 significant themes or differences you have noticed across these contexts and describe them.
Adaptability
In light of consistently progressive technology, it is safe to assume that the most effective instructional designers will be those who are willing to continuously adjust to new positions, developing and demonstrating competency in the latest technological advances.
Applicability
Instructional designers must develop systems which can be easily applied to various subjects. Without appropriate examples or methods of application to the subject matter, their work may be viewed simply as irrelevant.
Teamwork
As evidenced by figure 22.1 on page 225, the instructional designer is one of many contributors on a team that work together to achieve a final goal. This is true in all three areas that have been discussed. In any context, at minimum, an instructional designer requires input from subject matter experts, and often also requires input from other various contributors.
Is there a particular area or way that you believe your current professional working environment could learn from the other contexts described in these chapters?
In chapter 22, one writer discussed her work with faculty development. Upon describing some of her responsibilities, she mentioned that one thing she likes to do is to gather input from faculty members about topics that they would like to receive training on. Based on that input, she schedules the training sessions for the year. I found myself thinking how nice it would be if we had a person to conduct such a survey for our staff professional development, then establish and execute PD sessions that were meaningful and engaging for its participants.
Another concept that has really stuck with me from the beginning of this class has been computer imagination. In my professional working environment, there seems to be a big push to incorporate more and more technology into our classroom. While the intentions are good, it seems that many teachers are simply making their materials and resources available electronically, without much consideration for how technology could be used to breathe new life into that material. My hope is that our staff will find ways to incorporate technology into instruction in ways that change student learning for the better.
Instructional Designers seem like the most interpersonally-amazing people after reading all of the teams, committees, & groups that are a part of. They really do have to be ready to show how to apply technology in so many areas, and to work with so many different people. I admit, my preconceived vision of an ID was a bit more intrapersonal, and quiet. And maybe some of them are, but they must have to come out of their shells once in a while to work with so many people!
ReplyDeleteI did find it interesting you mentioned Applicability. This reminds me of an example I was given about a university that wanted to try a class online. So they picked a very popular professor to move one of his most popular classes online. So all he did was move what he taught face to face online. Students complained that it was the worst class ever. They discovered that they needed help from an instructional designer to help the professor move his class online. So it is important to show that Instuctional designers are needed!
ReplyDeleteI also thought of the PD aspect of the ID job. I have been in more than one school system where PD was a joke and definetly considered a waste of time. Mostly it was but training was also left up to a rotation of peer teachers who were not up to the task.
ReplyDeleteInstructional designers are very needed. I think that it's a great idea for the school to check and see what people want to work on for personal development and incorporate that into training. WMU has offered an on line program training program called LYDA that offers on line self help programs on all the basic windows programs. I have been through several of them myself, but have found it annoying that the subscription runs out and you have to request a renewal, sometimes before you are finished with a section.
ReplyDeleteMargie
My school district requires that we complete a survey about our professional development preferences. In my opinion, it has worked very well since I usually see at least a couple workshops that I would enjoy attending. You should make that PD suggestion to your school/district. Maybe you could even volunteer to lead a workshop on a technology that a number of teachers express interest in.
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