SECTION 1: DEFINING THE FIELD

1.       Technology in and of itself continues to evolve and change on a regular basis. Thus the need to reevaluate and update the definition of instructional design and technology is a necessity. My definition would be as follows:  In cooperation with business leaders , through training and education, the purpose of instructional design in business education is to provide students with the needed foundation to be productive employees in an ever changing technological environment.

2.       Team effort is critical in my definition of instructional design and technology in business education. Without input from business leaders in the field, teachers in the classroom cannot prepare students for employment. Technology continues to change the way jobs are performed; thus leading to the need for open communication between the classroom and work environment. Students need to be trained as life-long learners as many of the skills they learn today will be obsolete in 20 years. After needs are assessed with the help of the business community, the needs of the learner are analyzed and individual goals for their instructional needs are developed. Instructional material is developed and selected based on business leaders input in order to maintain up-to-date training and employable products. Outcome is assessed in a way as to model the business environment.  My model for instructional design and technology in business education would have the following components:

1.    3.   Much like the typewriter and ten-key calculator, the computer is a tool, both in the business community and the business classroom. However, the computer is by far one of the most powerful tools to be used in the classroom. Its ability to give students instant feedback provides for a better learning experience. Additionally, the computer can be used to individualize the learning process for each student, meeting his/her individual needs. The introduction of the internet and world wide web to the classroom opens more doors for student to explore areas of interest instead of being confined to available textbooks in the library.  The computer helps the K12 student to reach beyond classroom.  For example, my daughters use the internet to test and submit music performances for band and orchestra; thus, allowing more time in class for practice as a group.  Additionally, many K12 teachers use the internet to post assignments and study material for students who may be absent or just forgot their work at school allowing for a better use of time in the classroom.  This is a trend I see continuing to be used and built upon in the future for the K12 classroom.  For higher education and adult education students, I see a continued rise in online classes.  Many of these students are working fulltime jobs, raising families and live far distances from campuses; thus, making attending the traditional classroom near impossible. However, through the aid of Blackboard and WebCT, these students can take classes and work on degrees and continuing education credits. The computer, along with the internet and world wide web, are bringing education to the student instead of the student having to come to the education.