Naming the Field

First, let me say that the textbook has done a wonderful job of defining instructional technology. So much so that when I contemplate how I would adjust the definition to relate it to my work environment I find myself a bit stumped. With that said, I do prefer the latest AECT definition to the textbook’s long, complicated one. The textbook’s definition, although all encompassing, is very intimidating and hard to sift through. My definition takes from both in an attempt to cover as much information as possible without being overly complicated---

The field of instructional design and technology aims to ethically create, use, and manage not only technological tools but the systematic design processes used in conjunction with technology to best facilitate student learning with authentic “real world” scenarios. The field also includes the constant assessment of these tools and processes to best address student learning and performance problems.

Hopefully, my definition isn’t as complicated. J I chose to keep ethics as part of my definition because I believe this will be a big issue in teaching with technology in the future. As the Internet becomes wide spread, the ethical use of technology and observance of copyright laws is important. I also wanted to include using technology to teach our students authentic “real world” scenarios. I agree with the textbook that technology is currently being used to fancifully reproduce the same pencil and paper learning that has always been. We, as educators, should be using technology in different ways. Lastly, my definition addresses the need to constantly revise and reevaluate what we are doing as educators using technology.