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Foreword
EDD 7007
EDD 8008
EDD 8001
EDD 9300
EDD 7005
EDD 8124
ITDE 8010
EDD 9100

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Issues in Instructional Technology and Distance Education (ITDE 8010) took my knowledge of the subject area to the next level. This course delved much deeper into what instructional technology and distance education are in the real world. Previously, while in Principles of Instructional Technology (EDD 8008), the 1994 definition of instructional technology was presented—“the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning” (Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 1). This course, ITDE 8010, introduced the most current (2004) definition by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) Definitions and Technology Committee—“the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources” (AECT, 2006).

The evolution of this definition is interesting follow. The first definition was published in 1963. During this year zip codes were first introduced in the United States and society was just being introduced to modern technology; computers were not even thought as being a common household appliance. AECT framed the 1963 definition around what was known to society at that time. As one reads each revised definition, the societal influences appear and justify the revision. This latest definition (2004) shows the societal influence from pedagogy and androgogy to heutagogy (learner-centered learning). Additionally, the current awareness of business ethics seems to have influenced the definition as this is the first time ethical practice is so clearly highlighted.

Similarly, distance education has its own definition which has evolved through time due to societal changes. Whereas instructional technology seems to be focused and based on a craft, distance education seems to be focused and based on theories of learning. Beginning with correspondence study, distance education began its evolution. As the technologies available expanded, the means of offering distance education opportunities evolved and expanded. Today, in the first decade of the twenty-first century, technological solutions are abundant which influences the means by which education may be offered and conducted at a distance. Because of this variety, the theory behind which this is accomplished is significantly important. As previously presented in Principles of Distance Education (EDD 7007), the equivalency theory of learning states that no learning experience need be inferior to another. Accomplishing equivalency, when it comes to distance education, requires the careful instructional design of the course so that all necessary aspects of distance education exist.

With this more complete understanding of instructional technology and distance education, I was able to accomplish the culminating project for this course—the creation of a distance education policy for my actual work setting.

 

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ITDE 8010 Course Reflection | ITDE 8010 Coursework

The information on this page represents that of Robert Daumer.
Robert Daumer takes full responsibility for the information presented.
This page last updated: December 15, 2006