2: What is Instructional Design and Technology – an Analysis
In the textbook, Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology Robert Reiser defines Instructional Design and Technology by taking us through a historical journey that ends with a definition that gives meaning and purpose to the field.
In the beginning the text starts with a discussion of the use of media in instruction to give us a historical context and ties the use of media for instruction to the field of Instructional Technology. Then he presents a definition of instructional technology from the 1970s. The Commissions on Instruction Technology stated, “it [instructional technology] means the media born of the communications revolution which can be used for instructional purposes alongside the teacher, textbook, and blackboard . . . The pieces that make up instructional technology [include]: television, films, overhead projectors, computers, and other items of “hardware” and “software”.” (Reiser, A & Dempsey, J. 2018, p. 2)
Then we are presented with a 1977 definition by the Association for Educational Communication and Technology (AECT). The first statement of this elaborate definition states, Educational technology is a complex, integrated process involving people, procedures, ideas, devices, and organization, for analyzing problems and devising, implementing, evaluating, and managing solutions to those problems, involved in all aspects of human learning. (Reiser, A & Dempsey, J. 2018, p. 3)
In 2008 the AECT presented a new definition stated as:
Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources. (Reiser, A & Dempsey, J. 2018, p. 2)
Finally, Reiser presents a definition that is developed and being used in the text and is state as follows:
The field of instructional design and technology (also known as instructional technology) encompasses the analysis of learning and performance problems, and the design, development, implementation, evaluation and management of instructional and non-instructional processes and resources intended to improve learning and performance in a variety of settings, particularly educational institutions and the workplace. Professionals in the field instructional design and technology often use systematic instructional design procedures and employ instructional media to accomplish their goals. Moreover, in recent years, they have paid increasing attention to non-instructional solutions to some performance problems. Research and theory related to each of the aforementioned areas is also an important part of the field. (Reiser, A & Dempsey, J. 2018, p. 2)
In conclusion, Reiser makes it clear that “our field will be referred to as instructional design and technology” (Reiser, A & Dempsey, J. 2018, p. 5). We have a name and with the addition of “intended to improve learning and performance” we have a purpose.