What is Instructional Technology?

Instructional Technologists apply research in learning theory, psychology, and emergent technologies to solve instructional and performance problems. The Presidential Commission on Instructional Technology highlighted four performance areas:

• Design of instruction
• Production of instructional products and events
• Management of instructional settings and resources
• Evaluation of instructional programs

Design activities include analyzing the needs of learners and developing learning systems that are consistent with those needs.

Production involves creating learning materials that meet instructional needs. These materials take many forms, including but not limited to: print-based materials, audio and video tapes, computer-assisted instructional programs, Internet sites, multimedia presentations, interactive video programs, simulations, and games.

Management activities include media center administration, learning center design, project supervision and direction, and resource allocation.

Evaluation of instruction involves assigning worth to instructional products, programs, or processes designed to solve performance problems or meet instructional needs.

Instructional needs or performance problems may exist in any organization or setting where people are expected to perform. For instance, relevant scenarios might include:

• Instructing limited-English proficient parents regarding child care or school readiness
• Training customers to use a product or employees to use new equipment
• Teaching school teachers or students to use computers
• Providing programs for homebound learners via distance education technologies

Every business, agency, institution, and school is concerned with performance; that is, about each individual’s ability to contribute to the mission of the organization and society. Education and training are potent forces to enhance performance because they help assure that people will have the skills, abilities, and attitudes that they need to do their jobs. Workers in the field of Educational Technology use systematic processes to meet educational and training needs. As a result, Educational Technologists help people perform more effectively in rapidly changing technical and social environments.