What is instructional technology

Since the earliest official attempts to establish the discipline, there have been several interpretations of educational technologies that are constantly changing.  There are certain major areas of impact and attention in the area of information technology, despite the fact that interpretations of IT are as diverse as the professionals who write them. These encompass the psychology of instruction, the impact of media on education, and systematic educational practices.

A current concept was required to include the new aspects as instructional technology developed from its roots as an audio visual motion to a subject of research . Although there isn’t a single, accepted definition of IT, “Seels and Richey and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology’s version from 1994 is one of the most often used definitions (AECT).”

Define instructional technology

IT is described as “the philosophy and practice of designing, developing, utilizing, managing, and evaluating capabilities and procedures for learning”. Within instructional technology, the following components can be separated out:

  • “Theory and practice are two terms that relate to the use of information needed to solve issues. A theory is based on the concepts, principles, and schemes that make up the body of knowledge.
  • Each of these domains—design, development, use, management, and evaluation—has a distinct scope and area of knowledge that has developed into a different field of study.
  • Processes and resources: a process is a set of steps taken to arrive at a certain result, while resources are the instructional materials used to facilitate learning.
  • The objective of education is learning, and instruction is a means to that end.”

Objectives of instructional technology

An effective aim needs to be clear, with an actual result, and quantifiable. At the conclusion of the lesson, the education and learning goals must mesh. The aims of instruction are:

to modify pupils’ attitudes in the way that is wanted.

  • to mold a standard of conduct.
  • gaining information.
  • to enhance kids’ ability to study.
  • development of belief.
  • to develop into a helpful and sociable member of society.

Phases of instructional technology

  • Pedagogy model: In this approach, children are trained in the core curriculum while the instructor, to a large extent, determines the subject to be learnt and the speed of education. Another name for it is instructor-centered technique. In this, all learning is done under the guidance of the teacher.
  • Andragogical model: The student seems to be mostly self-directed and in charge of their own learning. By giving them a chance to educate themselves and gain new information, the educators aid students’ development and assist individuals.

A provisional license’s willingness to study, find the correct information and abilities, as well as their interest in living in a particular way in a particular culture, are all influenced by the action of educating. In order to accomplish some set goals, the student, instructor, and other factors are structured in a systematic manner.

Characteristics of instructional technology

  • Teachers must be able to develop relationships with their students.
  • They must be able to understand and empathize with their students.
  • They must be knowledgeable in their subject area.
  • They must be able to articulate their ideas clearly.
  • They must be able to inspire their students to learn.
  • They must possess a certain level of intelligence, such as creativity, problem-solving skills, and intuition. 
  • They should be prepared for the range of student diversity they will encounter in the classroom setting.