Definitions?

1. How do the definitions in the first chapter compare to your own definitions of instructional or educational technology?
Answer: At this point in time I am almost a novice as far as technology is concerned. I have used some of the new technology while learning. However, the definitions are interesting to say the least. Many new terms to learn  as well as many new skills to develop.
What experiences or other influences have shaped your definition?
Answer: Well, I was enlightened just by reading the chapters 1, 2, 3, as well as sorting out the multiple definitions used in the chapters. My best description of learning technology is that it is a tool to use to aid in the education of students. It can be anything from writing on the chalkboard to using the smartboard, showing overhead, drawing pictures as well as be audio. Technology instruments are not the be-all and the end-all but are tools to use. Technology will never replace the teacher, so in my opinion it should always be considered a tool.
How has your definition changed from examining the definitions in the first chapter of this book?
Answer: Oh yes! I learned lots of new words concerning technology. I really like the one on page 4 which states: Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources.

2. Next, think of a lesson or unit that you have developed. Or , if you haven't ever taught or developed instruction, think of one that you have received.
Answer: The best one I have created so far is the lesson I gave to a fifth grade class on the water cycle.
I incorporated video from the dust bowl of the 1930's to show what it was like to be without water. Then we had a class discussion on all the things that caused the problem. The video I chose was in black and white. I think they were not familiar with the B&W, they watched the entire video without making a sound.
How does that lesson adhere or fail to the six characteristics of instructional design?
Answer: The lesson fit the first four characteristics well, it might be a little weak on number 5 and 6. It fit student centered mostly because it was entirely for their benefit. I was goal oriented in that it showed how we can use the past to make the future better. For sure it focused on a meaningful  purpose because the whole idea was to instill the importance of out water. How we use it, why and how to make it better. The outcome could be measured from the samples we used showing how water does evaporate, condensate, turn into rainfall and all the other  interesting things about the water life cycle. The lesson was complete in that it got the students attention opened up a good amount of class discussion.
How would you redesign it to better adhere to the six characteristics?
Answer: The only thing I would change would be to have the students read some of the text, I would add a story about what it is like to be inside a raindrop. If time were to be available I would add a skit with the children pretending to be in different kinds of weather. And maybe even have them draw a weather map and explain all the weather symbols.
3. In the 3rd chapter, Reiser distinguishes instructional media from instructional design, excluding teachers, chalkboards, and textbooks from the definition of instructional media. Why?
Answer: I think it is so that he can clearly describe the history of the media. At least that is what I understand from the second paragraph on page 17 of our book.
Would you consider teachers, chalkboards, and textbooks instructional media?
Answer: No, I consider them to be the foundation of teaching. They deserve their own spot in history as the foundation and have their own place in the education hall of fame. If there is such a thing as an education hall of fame.
Is the purpose of instructional design to incorporate media into instruction?
I would say yes to this question. One can read the second paragraph on page 23 under History of Instructional Design to find the answer.