EDT Direction

Three emerging technologies I might be able to apply in my current position is virtual worlds, digital games or simulation and networks or Web 2.0.  As a teacher these three options seem to be the most engaging for my students and if the student is engaged then learning is happening. 

Virtual world – Virtual worlds allow students to explore multiple competencies in learning in one setting.  The ability to move through a problem on the way to a solution from an active point of view lends itself to the ultimate goal of discovery based learning. 

Digital games or simulation – Digital games and simulation mediums follow the same aspect as the virtual world, but has a few additional advantages that start with the probable cost issues that would be incurred from a more expensive virtual world platform that I suspect would be present.  DG and Simulations also hold a more familiar feel to them that children have already been exposed to and that many thrive within.

Networks or Web 2.0 – These media devices are the driving force behind the “Flipped Classroom” craze that has taken differentiated learning to new heights and allowed students to be in the driver’s seat concerning their learning.  When students take ownership of their learning there is no ceiling to what they can master.

The learning goals these three new technologies could foster would be tremendous in education for adults and students alike.  It takes great strides to put students in a more determining role of their learning.  Children already come to school with an innate since of technology so allowing them to drive the learning only makes sense.  They have practically used technology since infancy and they are more technologically savvy than most adults today so it only makes since to use technology in the classroom to bring their learning to a medium that they already understand and have a skill within.

All of these technologies could facilitate an attainment of learning better that traditional instruction.  Studies have proven that lecturing tends to turn people off quickly and that only approximately 10 percent of what a teacher says is actually accepted whereas the added visual and kinesthetic aspects of learning afforded by these IDT’s will increase the learning exponentially.

I think that that these IDT applications can offer a valuable learning and diversity for students that will offer a more enthusiastic and excited learning opportunities. 

The learning styles of yesterday can be appealing for a short duration but the use of technology will allow students to explore more and reach a greater understanding of knowledge.  Students can learn from these experiences and move outside the limitations of yesterday. Technology allows today's learners to be more innovative and think outside the box exploring and using their imagination to think well beyond what we can imagine today. 

IDT Jobs

This section of your textbook focuses on jobs in the profession of instructional design and technology: lessons and tips on how to get one and organizations that can support the job search and continued learning in the IDT field. Many of you already have a job in the field or in a related field; however, based on this week’s readings, you’ll reflect on where you are, where you want to go, and what you need to learn or do to get there. Begin your post for this week with some background: what is your current job, what program are you enrolled in, what brings you to that program, and what do you expect when you graduate (change jobs? obtain a promo

I currently work as a self-contained special education teacher in Mesquite Texas.  My previous experiences in education were as 6^th grade science and reading teacher.  I love what do in the special education field, but constantly reflect back to my time as a reading teacher and the “fight” to encourage students to become engaged, enthusiastic readers. I already hold a graduate degree in reading and am now working on my Library Science degree with the goal of becoming a school librarian. I feel called toward the library as a means to motivate larger masses of students to find a love for reading.  Working with an individual class in regard to reading is wonderful, but the idea of motivating an entire school community seems like the challenge I want.   

The greatest issue I feel ahead of me is to become more proficient with the technological aspects of the modern library.  Understanding the general interests of students in regards to reading has become the basal level of a librarian’s challenge of reading motivation.  Understanding the science involved within the field is very important, but I feel that it has become increasingly important that librarians embrace the multitude of new media available to schools and students at home.  Being a school librarian is more than the circulation of books, it involves the management of the full array of resources available in the library. We must be up-to-date with the media available as well as the content that addresses the community’s interests and needs. This involves controlling a budgeting for the year, selecting appropriate books, developing resources for teachers and creating lessons that address the needs of the school.  My goal is to become a state-of-the-art, ahead of the game and dialed in to the needs of my population librarian.

Next, describe the kind of work that you want to do and the type of organization or institution in which you want to work. Use the WorkMatrix in the chapter titled “Getting a Job in Business and Industry” to help organize your thoughts. Do you most desire first, second, third, or fourth level service? Or would you rather design or develop instruction? What features of work are important to you? What economic sector do you want to work in? Based on these intentions, explain what you need to learn. What skills and qualifications do you need? Will you obtain the skills you need in the required courses in your program? What electives might you need to take to help you develop skills specific to your aspirations? 

My desired application is strictly in the educational setting involving school aged students.  I feel that I am better suited to pass on my love of reading to younger minds, but I will be armed with the skills to assists and encourage older users as needed.  When paired with my previous graduate degree, my techno-geek husband and the final courses in the LIS program I feel that I have the knowledge, and resources, available to step right in and successfully guide a school library.   

Finally, what organizations would best support your continued learning after you graduate? Do you think you would benefit from joining those organizations before graduating? Explain why or why not?

I think two organizations would help me most with my learning after I have graduated would be the American Librarian Association and Texas Association of School Librarians.  The American Librarian Associations offer a lot of knowledge about being an efficient librarian with tips and webinars and ways to incorporate technology in my environment.  Texas Association of School Librarians would help me by offering workshops to help be become more efficient and would help me set up my library.  This would allow me to interact with my students and offer up to date innovative and engaging library facility while helping me become a leader at my school.