It is all about technology- Future Directions

Technology leads the future directions of instructional technology. It is no longer a question if we should use technology in instructional design, but a question regarding how to skillfully use the technology for better achievements. As Molenda and Bichelmeyer addressed Performance Improvement is a focus in corporation, the yielding results are more important than methods. We need to overlook the effectiveness of instructional materials in a long run.

Technological equipments evolve in rapid speed. They contain more and more dynamic functions which can not be provided by tradition media such as cassette tapes, VHS tapes and etc. Even though there are still some portions of people do not accept high-tech products as Molenda and Bichelmeyer mentioned in the articles, they still need to accept the reality of technology’s pervasiveness and convergence. It is more constructive to find a way to fully use technology in instruction and other fields instead of blindly rejecting it.

In other words, the philosophy and method of adopting technology should be emphasized. People are unconsciously afraid or rejected things they do not know because it takes enormous time and efforts to be familiar with new invention or materials. In addition, the new concepts or techniques mean “change.” Changing is quite scary, but it is how the life is. Life is evolving daily as the same as technology. Developing better tutorial or helpful materials to help people overcome fear of technology appears necessary. Contrary to the concept (technology controls people) of the movie, “Matrix”, knowing technology can prevent us from being controlled.

Ethical Dilemma

While Coral and I were preparing the instructional activity for “ethical dilemma”, I realized there is always a way to solve ethical problems. Even though everybody has different approach to solve the problems, the win-win situation should be the goal to achieve. I summarized the following steps according to our experience in preparing the activity:

1. Understand laws and regulations along with ethical codes.
2. Know the bottom line among stakeholders.
3. Perform “give-and-take” strategy.
4. Write down reasons why we choose to comply or violate with some ethical codes. (This can prevent future confusion and criticism).
5. NEVER cause human harm.

Every job has ethical dilemma, don’t be too panic to meet all ethical codes. Choose the best solution for all stakeholders, and always remember our main stakeholders are learners.

Yes, be moral in instructional design.

As my posting regarding moral and ethics of instructional design, I believe the moral issue is very important. Unfortunately, it is usually neglected. Dr. Osguthorpe mentioned instructional designers are leaders. They should have correct and moral concept while they are doing design. When users interact with instructional materials, their values and concepts have been influenced. It is like videogames and movies. Many people discover kids imitate characters in violent video games and movies.

Even though instructional designing process usually does not involve with violent or too emotional materials, the material itself is somewhat influencing. Since we are interacting with our learners, we should bring current and constructive knowledge to them. Lead people in the right path. The moral codes carry out the righteous intentions. If the intention is right, the product can be modified and modified till it becomes effective. However, nothing is good if the intention is wrong.