Making a change in careers can be daunting and filled with uncertainty. That’s how I felt when searching for something that would allow me to expand on my teaching career. I knew I had a love for teaching and assisting others in their endeavors, but something else was missing. Well I’ve always had a curiosity with technology (ie.web design, e-commerce), but only as a hobby. Recently, the elementary school where I teach has been pushing for the utilization of technology within the classrooms. That’s when the light bulb lit up for me. Was there a career path that would let me bridge my experience as a teacher while training and improving the skills of others through the use of technology? By chance I ran across the field of Instructional Design and Technology while exploring courses through Walden University. I was intrigued, but needed a little more information. Search engine results led me to Christy Tucker’s E-learning Blog. Christy’s blog has an abundance of detailed information on the requirements and skills needed to become an Instructional Designer. She actually has a series of post dedicated to the field of instructional design careers. So if you are still wondering and searching for an ID career or simply looking for quality information take a tour of Christy’s blog now : http://christytucker.wordpress.com/first-time-visitors-guide/.
As a Resource Teacher who often visits other classrooms, I have encountered colleagues who are often hesitant or resistant when it comes to using technology within the classroom. Each classroom comes equipped with computers, laptop, inter-write pads, doc cams, audio and video enhancements and a variety of software tools and programs to monitor and assess student progress. Most of these tools simply catch dust as teachers frequently avoid their use. I often wonder why teachers resist these resources that could make their teaching more efficient and meaningful to their students. Through my studies as an Instructional Designer, I have learned that change is a challenge for most businesses and professionals alike. As an Instructional Designer, I will often be faced with the task of assisting others through change in order to promote success. Dr. Curtis J. Bonk discusses how to effectively model the use and implementation of technology within the classroom for those teachers and school administrators who are a little resistant. Dr. Bonk, in his article, Overcoming the Technology Resistance Movement, has outlined ten approaches I believe would be a benefit to me and other IDs who are strive to help educators overcome their fears of implementing technology in the learning environment.
It is important for IDs to know the effects that technology will have on the learner. Education is no longer disseminated in a single fashion with the learner solely dependent upon the expertise of an instructor. Technology has created a variety of informational tools and resources that are easily accessible and can be found in the hands of every learner. George Siemens and Peter Tittenberger have created an online handbook that explores the effects and use of the technological tools on the learner. Although most of the information provided seems to speak to those among the university settings, it can also be utilized by any educator seeking to explore the use of technology within the classroom. So here it is The Handbook of Emerging Technologies for Learning.
Education culture is a powerful tool to progress. We as students are living testament of an era in which education has become a stressful area of life for both children and adults. The need to excel and emerge victorious is every student's goal as much as it is for the teacher. Thinking is a powerful faculty of the human mind. The mind is the aspect of intellect and consiousness experienced as a combinations of thought, perception, memory, emotion, will, and imagination. This blog express every aspect of the brain and instructional design explore in education.
ReplyDeleteLeslie Jackson
Designing Instruction: A Resource for ID’s, speaks to my personal journey in determining how to expand on my professional experience.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of using technology as a tool seems simple, but I did not fully comprehend the magnitude of the effects on the learner and myself as the teacher. According the article, Effects of Technology on the Classroom and Students, the students become an active participant, defining their goals, making design decisions, and evaluating their progress. The teacher plays the role of facilitator [no longer the sole source of knowledge], setting project goals and providing guidelines and resources. This strategy also has a socio-emotional impact on the students improving motivation and increasing self-esteem.
As a teacher, I want to create a culture of collaboration and excitement for my students. I want to make the “process” of learning worthwhile, challenging my students to question what they are learning and considering how this information will benefit them in their work with young children. I also want my students to develop their own goals and positively contribute to the learning of others. I’m excited about this opportunity and look forward to providing more meaningful learning for my students.