New Direction in Instructional Design and Technology

Distributed or e-learning environments

I have been exploring the potential of e-learning via vodcast (video podcast). Depending on the desired reason for using a podcast, I believe that there could be several benefits. Podcasts embedded on the library webpage can be very useful as a means of presenting quick tutorials when simple instruction or reinforcement of an idea is needed. As a school librarian, I would like to use podcast tutorials to teach patrons to search the library catalog and to reinforce concepts related to database usage. The main benefit would be access to such instruction at the point of need. Other ideas for podcast instruction in education might be to help students stay caught up when they are unable to attend class, as a review of concepts after the initial instruction, or so that students may view the initial instruction over the content on their own time, and then use classroom time for constructivist activities.

Reusable design or learning objects

Although I had never thought of them as “learning objects”, I compile learning objects on the library website when I create pathfinders for teachers and students. Pathfinders are groups of materials with a common thread that teachers may easily access and use in instruction, or that students might explore to find supplemental materials over a topic of interest. For instance, I know that 7^th grade teachers at the middle school do a cross-curriculum unit over the Alamo. When I come across learning objects that pertain to the Alamo such as books, videos, photographs, primary source documents, web activities, or assessment tools, I add these to a pathfinder. Teachers can pick and choose which learning objects that they want to use and customize them to fit learning style and learning objectives. I can easily update the pathfinder by adding new materials or deleting outdated materials or dead links. In this way the pathfinder, and the learning objects to which they lead, remain relevant and may be reused year after year.

Rich media

Rich media supports the learning styles of diverse learners because it can appeal to multiple senses. It also is effective in engaging learners and holding their attention. For instance, a video, vodcast, or even a PowerPoint might be more effective than lecture if I want to teach students to navigate the libraries Dewey Decimal system. There are times when rich media is appropriate and other times when simple written, pictorial, or verbal instruction might be more appropriate. I will strive for a balance of appropriate media when designing instruction. The use of technology or rich media should not be the goal of ID, but rather it should be used as a tool toward the goal of more meaningful learner-centered instruction. 

 Emerging instructional technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cybernetics, Web 2.0, virtual worlds, electronic games, etc.

As a librarian I am called to be a technology leader in my school. It will be my responsibility to constantly explore new instructional technologies and evaluate their benefits and drawbacks. Emerging technologies such as simulations, online learning communities, or any of those mentioned above could certainly add a level of authenticity to the learning environment. I will remain open-minded in order to find better ways of teaching and learning, but these emerging technologies should be critically evaluated. Implementation should be done ethically, using best practices, and we should ensure sufficient teacher support. When properly implemented to support student learning, the use of these tools may also help to prepare students to be more productive citizens in the 21^st Century.