Instructional Technology Models and Practices
Course Units & Posts

Course Units & Posts

Digital Learning

This module will delve into the fundamental principles of instructional technology and digital learning environments. Through this module, and course, you will improve your own digital competence and become a proficient user of educational technology. Additionally, you will learn how to establish secure and ethical digital learning environments. The ultimate objective is to empower you to guide your students from being digitally literate (adept consumers of technology) to digitally fluent (creators and contributors in the digital realm) to becoming responsible digital citizens (those who use digital resources effectively and responsibly).

          Instructional Technology

          This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts and approaches in instructional technology and design, helping learners to develop the skills and knowledge needed to create effective and engaging instructional materials. The module comprises three key topics that cover different aspects of instructional technology and design. The first topic, Computational Thinking Refresher, provides refresher of key concepts and approaches to computational thinking we learned in EDU 226. The second topic, Instructional Technology Meaning and Goals, delves into understanding the culture of your organization and the pros and cons of conducting an evaluation or critique. It also covers the impact of instructional technology on equity, accessibility, student achievement, and engagement. The third topic, Instructional Design and Development Models, explores different models of instruction, including the 5E Model, ADDIE, Backward Design, and Agile. These models offer different frameworks for designing and developing effective instructional materials.

                  Instructional Technology: Evaluation Models

                  This module will review the significance of developing inclusive and accessible learning environments utilizing UDL and instructional technology. We will also learn how to use technology-based solutions to improve accessibility in the classroom as well as how to evaluate the accessibility of digital tools. We will look at frameworks for evaluating instructional technologies such as the Triple E Framework, TPACK, and SAMR.

                          Applications of Instructional Technology

                          The practical experience in this course plays a critical role in helping students become effective instructional technologists. By requiring students to investigate a topic of their choice and observe its implementation in a real-world setting, the project encourages hands-on learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Through the process of gathering and analyzing data, students gain a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in implementing instructional technology in the classroom.
                           
                          The capstone project and presentation require students to put on the hat of an instructional designer, which is a valuable experience for anyone interested in a career in this field. By exploring a topic and analyzing its implementation, students gain practical skills and experience in applying instructional design principles, developing effective instructional strategies, and evaluating the effectiveness of instructional technology. This enables students to gain a deeper understanding of the role of an instructional designer and the skills and knowledge required to succeed in this field.  Ultimately, this practical experience prepares students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios, setting them up for success as instructional designers and technologists.