Elementary Adventures

  Most Accessible Framework In our classes, we learned about a variety of frameworks and how they can help us make informed decisions when planning instruction for the classroom. Prior to the module, I liked how the ASSURE model was all-encompassing yet workable (Smaldino et al., 2019).  Kim and Downey (2016) challenge the legacy of the ASSURE model, yet they also note that lessons were engaging and effective with the ASSURE model and that the model has “stood the test of time” (Kim & Downey, 2016, p. 164). Kim and Downey (2016) acknowledge that the ASSURE model is practical and easy to implement in the classroom. To me, that is everything. I think of the complex Dick and Carey model that I have learned about for instructional design and remember the feeling of being overwhelmed: how am I ever supposed to use this practically in the classroom? For me, a model must be succinct and effective. Enter the SAMR Model! I have always appreciated the SAMR model for that reason and ...

Instructional Technology is a broad field! Jump in with me to start exploring. Januszewski and Molenda (2008) define instructional technology as “the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources” (p. 1). I have studied this definition many times and feel that it appropriately describes our field of instructional technology (IT). It also highlights the importance of creating, using, and managing technology, which is a hallmark of our field. It is what makes our field separate from others.  We not only use learning theories, social theories, and the like, we also create, design, develop, and manage technology to enhance our literature and understanding of each of the fields that we touch. When thinking about the layman's definition of IT, I was reminded of the definition that I use for IT in my dissertation. I define IT for “instructional technology,” the tools that we ...