Sunday, September 1, 2013
Since media comes from the word "medium" and medium simply means - the transfer of information - I have to suggest that a chalkboard, textbook, and teacher, can all be considered a type of media. With that being said, I do not believe that those 3 elements should be relied on in regards to Instruction Design. In the first three chapters of the text, the definition of Instructional Design has shifted in past 50 years. This shift is due to the evolution of technology, and it seems logical to me that our classrooms evolve along with technology. We serve our students best, whenever we understand how they learn best - and they are dependent on computers, ipads, kindles, nooks, social media, etc. How can we be effective, relate to the students, and ensure they are part of the learning process, if we refuse to become part of the lives in which they live - become a part of their reality? Clearly students can receive and learn information from their teachers and textbooks - but should that be their only source of learning? I believe it is irresponsible for a teacher to rely on their own voice and the voices of a few authors of texts to educate today's younger generation.
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I completely agree with you on regards to teachers taking their chosen medium to the correct level. It is the teachers responsibility to find different types of media to use in the classroom because students need to see different concepts in different ways. I know students are growing up in a time where everything is digital, but I hate to bring up standardized tests but those are still paper and pencils. Students have to be able to put their thinking on paper.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading the idea of relevance came to mind. How can a teacher remain relevant to students and the learning process.
ReplyDeleteTeachers have the power. By design, they have the job to develop (or use) lessons to educate and bring students along to prepare them for the next grade. With the many challenges, it is clear the less time that is spent preparing and designing instruction engage the students to learn.
I suspect that a chalkboard writing, textbook talking teacher believes in their mind that they are being responsible in the task at hand. Having an orderly classroom and clear objectives and worksheets is probably seen as sufficient if the kids would only do the work.
The job for instructional designers is to demonstrate how to accomplish and exceed the goals of the school, district and parent using technology. A great example of how to get students to do "homework" @ home is the use of videos and the flipped classroom, at least for now.
I think a teacher can make anything they teach relavant if they take the time to know their students, their cultures, backgrounds, etc. Once they know all about their students they can plan lessons that are condusive to a fun, learning environment. And kids love to learn if they are having fun. (as do adults)
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