Section 7

1. Distributed Learning is any educational or training experience that uses a variety of means, including technology, to enable learning (p.290).  Distributed learning has really taking off because of the internet which allows many options for institutions to provide instruction. 

a)      Corporate distributed learning - Dynamic Digital Advertising (DDA) is a corporation that offers to create and customize other companies training using the intranet.  They make training available to any employee who has internet access.

b)      Academic distributing learning – since colleges and universities have become more and more confident of the effect online classes have on continuing education and its integrity, they have providing a number of classes online.  Schools like SMU and Baylor allow students to take classes online which are non-traditional for them.

c)      Hybrid classes – I am taking a hybrid course now, Classroom Management.  There are 6 times we meet face-to-face, and the other time we participate online. 

d)      Virtual Classes – I had a class last semester, Philosophy of Education, where we had a virtual class meeting using LivePro.

e)      Distributed learning via virtual institutions – An example is Univ of Phoenix.  They have offices, but their university is virtually online.

2. Reusability is the ability to use the same resource multiple times in multiple ways and in multiple contexts (p.302).  I have taking a lot of courses that ask me to elaborate on a topic that was discussed in the text and site the page numbers.  Sometimes the book that I am reading is not an easy to comprehend text, but I have another book from a previous class that explains the topic perfectly for me to understand.  I would encourage the students to use the text because is it the book for which the class is covering, but if the student can use another text to explain the topic this they could. 

3. Rich media is learning products that incorporate high-end media such as video, animation, sound, and simulation (p.312).  This summer I was remodeling my bathroom and I needed to learn how to lay down tile.  I went to HGTV and search laying tile.  I was able to watch several video able laying tile; how to lay tile, how to grout, bathroom tiles, etc.

4. Nanotechnology is the ability to use technology to compact things.  This technology could improve the use of phone calls.  I was watching 60 minutes which featured the founder of the cell phone Martin Cooper.  He spoke about how cell phones have the ability to do almost anything because cell phones are able to hold more space and companies are creating a wide variety of apps.  He also stated that because people are asking more from their cell phones, there maybe a day when all your important contacts and information is stored on a chip which is implanted behind the ear.  The idea is that people will love this technology because they will be able to just naturally speak and what they are wanting will happen.  It will also eliminate accessories such as Bluetooth and headsets.

5. It is hard to choose between the two because both have specific characteristics that build a solid foundation of learning, exploring, and sharing.  The goal of both is to design and use technologies/resources, to improve learning and performance (p.342).  I think the direction that instructional design and technology will go depends on the individual.  As mentioned by Merrill, one road maybe rewarding to an individual because it opens the door for more information and resources to be learned and absorbed.  One the other hand, just getting the information and resources that one has is satisfying.  If I had to choose I would choose broad road because I like information and resources.  The more the merrier, to help with my design and performance.

I really enjoyed the class and the new information that I will definitely use to my advantage. 

Thanx….

Section 6: Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at It

1)    Careers

a.      Instructional Systems Designer – TASC, Inc.

Description – design instructional materials for assigned courses within our Intelligence Operations Business Unit, which includes curriculum development and the analysis, design, development, delivery and evaluation of current and future instructor-led and computer based training courses. 

Skills - B.S./B.A. in Education, Instructional Design, or related field; Masters Degree or formal certification in Instructional Systems Design highly desired; 7 years developing instructional programs and applying the ISD methodologies and process in an adult learning environment; good interpersonal and analytical skills; previous experience with developing user guides, instructor guides, student guides, tests and test questions; experience developing computer-based training or multimedia projects to include flowcharting, storyboarding, and scripting of training materials; experience performing initial needs analysis and content research, developing and delivering instructor-led and computer-based training programs, and evaluating course effectiveness for both computer-based and instructor-led training.  You will have growth opportunity as an individual contributor as well as part of a team or leading a team with other training developers, programmers, and graphic artists. (ww.monster.com)

Looking over the skills that are required I think this is a job that is not for me.  I do not have a B.S. in the related field.  I am going to obtain my M.S. in Education.  The main deal breaker for me is the experience.  Right now the only experience I have in instructional design is designing my instruction for my 160 students at student.  So the answer to the question would be No I do not have the skills. 

b.      Instructional Designers/Training Specialist - Purolator

Description – training and development initiatives within Purolator, which include needs analysis, training design and development, and administration and expansion of learning management system.

Skills- Bachelor's Degree with at least 5-8 years of training experience

Expertise in needs analysis, program design, delivery and evaluation

Ability to influence others through the employment of sound judgment; able to build consensus and influence change and sustain accountability.

Significant experience working in a corporate training or organizational development environment

Demonstrated ability to adapt well to multi-location organization.

Strong personal motivation and enthusiasm, interest in and commitment to making a difference in the organization.

Strong ability to handle multiple training projects

Clear knowledge and application of adult learning theories

Experience in the development of self-paced training, required with working knowledge of Lectora and/or Audacity.

Knowledge of Learning Management System (LMS), preferred (www.monster.com)

           

The only qualification that I have for this job is a Bachelor’s Degree.  I could not being to think where in my career have I had the responsibilities to perform the duties listed.  This job seems to be for a person that has already been in the career and comes to the organization as an asset not for an experience builder.  I do not think I have the skills for this job.

c.       Junior Instructional Designer – ICF International

Description - focus on providing practical solutions to challenges in management and organizational change for public and private sector clients, consultant.

Skills -

Experience developing both soft-skills and technical training

Experience designing instructor-led, web-based courses, and blended solutions

Experience developing Web-based training at least Level 2 interactivity (Level 3 experience a plus)

Experience designing and developing SCORM 2004-conformant content

Experience and working knowledge of at least one rapid development tool (e.g. Articulate, Presenter, and Captivate)

Experience producing and adhering to task-level budgets and schedules  

Strong oral and written communication skills

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision making capabilities

Strong attention to detail

Ability to work well both individually and in a team environment

Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while demonstrating the initiative to complete projects with minimum supervision

Ability to be flexible to handle multiple priorities and to work limited overtime as necessary

Proficiency in MS Office Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Project)

Sound business ethics, including the protection of proprietary and confidential information

MS/MA in Instructional Design, Education, or related field and/or

1 years of experience developing instructor-led training

1 year of experience developing storyboards for web-based training

1 years of experience designing courseware that is Section 508 compliant

1 years of experience working with subject matter experts

1 years of experience on a team of instructional designers, graphic artists, and programmers (www.careerbuilder.com)

This job seems more fitting to a person that has not been in the business before and would like to land his first job.  I think the main qualification that makes me qualified for the position is the MS in Education.  This job seems to be an entry level position for a instructional designer because the position works along side subject matter experts to identify critical issues.  I do think I have the qualification to apply for this job.

2)      Self Assessment

I went to the website www.careeronestop.org and took the self-assessment.  As I was going through the assessment I learned that I have a lot of qualities that make me marketable.  On the part where you had to rate yourself for each quality, I felt like I was a 7 (highest number) because I am truly an active listener and learner, a good manager of finances and personnel, negotiator and persuader, and speaker.  I learned that I do not really think of myself as being technical, although I am around my house.  Overall, it was a good resource to help me gather my skills that I have for a job. 

3)      Professional Organizations and Publications

1. Professional organizations – Assoc. for the Advancement of Computing Education
1. Mission – to further the advancement and innovation in learning and technology. As the educational world becomes increasingly global, new ways to explore, learn, and share knowledge are needed (http://www.aace.org/).
2. Cost of Membership – not required
3. Publications - International Journal on E-Learning (IJEL) Corporate, Government, Healthcare, & Higher Education, Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching (JCMST), Journal of Interactive Learning Research (JILR)
4. Conferences and meetings – Nashville, TN March 7 – 11 (Society for Information Tech & Teacher Education, Melbourne, Australia Mar.28 – Apr1 (Global Learn Asia Pacific)
5. Opportunities for professional development - Duration and relevance of a professional development program: using Intel Teach to the Future to illuminate successful programmatic features (Mar. 5, 2011).

2. Professional organization – Association for Educational Communications and Technology

                                 i.            Mission - The mission of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology is to provide international leadership by promoting scholarship and best practices in the creation, use, and management of technologies for effective teaching and learning in a wide range of settings (http://www.aect.org/).

                               ii.            Cost of Membership - $125

                              iii.            Publications – Edu. Tech. Research and Development, Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, Instructional Science, Edu. Media and Tech. Yearbook, International Journal and Design for Learners

                             iv.            Conferences and Meetings – PacifiCorp Design and Development Award Competition (Apr. 15, 2011), 2011 AECT International Convention

                               v.            Opportunities for professional development – just conventions

3. Professional publications – American Journal of Distance Education

                                 i.            Focus/Goals of the journal – disseminating information about research and scholarship in America

                               ii.            Submission guidelines - Articles should be based on research, although all methods and approaches to research are welcome. Authors are advised to ensure that their work is appropriately grounded in a review of existing literature. Submissions are accepted with the understanding that they will be subject to review and editorial revision and that they neither have been nor will be published elsewhere (http://www.ajde.com/).

                              iii.            Is this a peer reviewed journal? Yes

                             iv.            Is the journal online? Yes

4. Professional publications: Educational Technology

                                 i.            Focus/Goals of the Journal – bring about important new trends in the development of the field

                                ii.            Submission Guidelines – The editors are looking generally for articles which interpret research and/or practical applications of scientific knowledge in education and training environments.  The article should not be cast in the form of a traditional research report.  The style of writing should be on the informal side (bookstoread.com).

                              iii.            Is this a peer reviewed journal? yes

                             iv.            Is the journal online? No

I was blown away at the number of professional organization and publication that are available in the field of education and technology.  There seemed to be an organization and publication for any area within education and technology.  I really enjoyed the educational technology website because their publications focus on the new trends in technology, which is forever changing.  So I could use the magazine to stay abreast to technology that is often used, what my peers think of them, and what is to come.  Overall it was an enjoyable experience, which I hope to take full advantage of. 

4)    Competencies

Performance Technologist

Professionalism

1. Work well as a team leader and within a team environment.
2. Communicate in written, oral, and visual forms.
3. Comply with all legal and ethical standards.
4. Staying abreast to all current practices within performance technologist.
5. Maintain high integrity, punctuality, and professionalism.

Planning and Analysis

6. Develop and implement all instructional designs
7. Analyze current conditions of performance to make feasible corrections or deletions.
8. Conduct frequent assessments of performance.
9. Analyze small scale and large scale performances within the company.
10. Identify and target the area where newer technology could help.

Design and Develop

11. Design blueprint to analyze current performance.
12. Develop technological trainings for the staff
13. Develop professional development that will benefit performances for each employee.
14. Develop a credibility system for employees that emphasize high performances.
15. Develop assessments to keep track of the design’s success.

 Leadership

16. Display leadership skills when working with the team and company employees.
17. Be able to manage the projects and while as the team.
18. Monitor all phases of the design at every level of implementation.

Responsibility to Others

19. Treat others with respect and dignity.
20. Train them on the last design to improve their performance.
21. Give a quick turn around on feedbacks.
22. Be honest and transparent.
23. Respect others’ opinions.

Responsibility to the Organization

24. Report all findings from assessments and implementation to the organization.
25. All important information needs to be communicated to the organization.
26. Remember to always work to improve the organization’s performance.
27. Remember you are a representation of the organization.  Protect the confidentially of the organization.
28. Bring the organization abreast of any improvements, new implementations, or corrections which affect the organization.

My layout of the domains, competencies, and performance statements for a performance technologist was created to insure a person knows what qualifications, experiences, and responsibilities is need to fill the position.  The domains are common among the designer professions, so I decided not to re-invent the wheel.  The competencies consist of the qualifications a person needs to have to perform the duties.  The duties are layout in a way to let the person know their role within the organization.  The performance statements are the person’s responsibilities to others and the company.  These are like the rules and procedures in the business world.