Instructional Technology || Week 2

    This week, we discovered instructional technology, specifically in the education system. Such a fascinating and beneficial topic to learn since most of us will be educators in the future. Being an unknowledgeable IT user, this topic has enlightened me regarding instructional technology as the education system in Malaysia is comprised of it. This is due to the fact that instructional technology has helped the education system to be more efficient.

What is instructional technology? 

    From my understanding, instructional technology is an innovation to develop and improvise educational systems to create engaging and effective learning experiences among students. Instructional technology does involve things like Web-based training and other learning resources, established disciplines and academic values. It is more of a comprehensive term for all of those designs that accommodate successful learning technologies. Some instances of instructional technologies are educational software, project-based learning (PBL), student-created presentations, online courses, social networking tools and teaching aids. 

Instruction + Technology = Instructional Technology 

Instruction : Imparting knowledge from one person/group to another person/group; could be mutual; includes education and training. 

Technology : The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. 

Instructional Technology : The study and application (design) of the learning process through the deliberate use of technology in order to enhance discovery and performance.

              Innovation is very closely related to instructional technology as instructional technology involves transforming education into systems that is fit and appropriate with the 21st Century development since we are moving towards Industrial Revolution 4.0 (you can refer to the material given below). Moreover, instructional technology serves a very diverse set of applications, ranging from primary school to adult learners, from formal education to business training , etc. This is due to the fact that it is hard to forge strategies and theories that could be considered one-size-fits-all. Some examples of innovative educational technology that are making their way into the classroom setting are digital tablets, 3D printing, virtual reality, gamification, cloud technology, artificial technology and mobile technology.

               The development of instructional technology in education has ameliorated the education system by enhancing visual capabilities, personalization and assessment of learning. It is easier for teachers and students as they do not have to bring physical materials, in which it is quite inconvenient to use as it is physically heavy and you have to search for the content manually. However, with the development of instructional technology, users can access the materials effortlessly and search for the content by using the searching tool. 

    In addition, the learning process becomes more enjoyable as it enables the learning to a wider perspective and more creative. Thus, the productive and creative environment will be more effective to the students as it involves active learning. Not only that, but teachers can also create a stronger connection between the students since the learning process requires both parties to work together. Furthermore, the students can develop life skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, critical thinking and self-directed learning skills. 

    As a result, the students of this generation have grown up in an ultra-connected, fast-moving technological age. They are the ultimate do-it-yourselfers. If they have a question, they go find an answer. They want to learn through real-life experiences; they want to participate and engage. They are not making these decisions lightly. They are digital natives, and they are going online to research all of their options.

    In a nutshell, instructional technology is crucial in developing the education system as the advantages weigh more than the disadvantages towards the students, teachers and school as a whole. Indeed, it ameliorates the education system to be more effective and efficient. Therefore, it is paramount for the educators to embrace, understand and have the knowledge concerning the instructional technology and materials for smooth learning.

for more details, do watch this video