Drones: As Instructional Technology?


Can drones be instructional technology? Or are they just recreational? Scientific and job-oriented use only? Compare your ideas to my analysis below on White Lightning, a drone used for learning purposes.

The drone White Lightening can be an instructional technology depending on how it is used. The drone is clearly technology; technology is defined as “the application of scientific or other organized knowledge to practical tasks” (Galbraith, 2007, p. 14). Drones used scientific techniques, such as coding and physics, to complete their tasks, such as flying. Now the consideration is “is the drone instructional technology?”

As an instructional technology expert, I would first Januszewski and Molenda (2008) define Educational Technology (ET) as "the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources" (p. 1). Under Januszewski and Molenda’s definition, if White Lightning is used for “facilitating learning” using “appropriate technological processes,” then yes, the drone can be identified as a piece of instructional technology. One of my colleagues actually started a new program at her school where students (11th and 12th grade) create and program drones in their robotics classes. Then, she had the students complete Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone training so that these students have licenses to fly drones for work-related purposes. This is an excellent example where drones were used as instructional technology to teach students about science and technology.

In summary, my strategy would be to use a two-pronged approach: is it a technology and is it used for instructional purposes? If both answers are yes, then the drone fits the definition. If the drone was used for recreational purposes, then it is likely not instructional technology. While using a drone for fun would lead to some learning, it would not be considered a scientific “practice.”

References

Galbraith, J.K. (2007). The New Industrial State. (Kindle ed.). Princeton University Press.

Januszewski, A., & Molenda, M. (2008). Educational technology: A definition with commentary.

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