Instructional Design

Technology use in the classroom is advancing so quickly. I can’t believe how fast technology is taking off as one of the greatest assets an instructor could have in the classroom. There are so many benefits to using technology.  At times I am shocked at the creativeness instructors’ show when they utilize technology in an unconventional way. Computer based training, online learning, web based training and e-learning are just a few ways to keep students engaged using interactive methodologies in the classroom.

Today, as watched NBC News, I see technology in the classroom went one step further.  Using drones in the classroom as a tool in creating another way to express learning content within the classroom environment (NBC News). When you hear or think about drones, using them in the classroom is probably the last thought on your mind. As I looked at the video clip on television, I thought why not!  It was only a matter of time before drone use to be turned into a learning experience.

If you make your own drone you will be introduced to robotics, math, chemistry and programming just to name a few courses. Farmers use drones to survey their crops. Environmentalists use drones to monitor wildlife. (Levy, 2015) So for learners and educators in these areas of expertise drone use is beneficial. Shooting video from a drone is like flying through the air and embracing all that nature has to offer. To bring that vision in the classroom would be magical.

Social media is also on the rise. It is used every day by millions of people on various websites like Facebook, Linked-in, Twitter and one of my favorites YouTube! Social media provides links to resources such as webinars, videos and articles related to new learning content (Noe, 2013). If I want to learn a quick “how to” the websites I explore first is YouTube. It has unlimited resources on any category of interest you would like to explore.

Blogs are valuable sources as well. A blog refers to a webpage where an author posts entries and readers often can comment (Noe, 2013). Although I haven’t thought of myself as being an author, I’ll continue to blog because practice makes perfect. I love to share information and receive feedback from my peers, co-workers and other professionals in the Training and Development profession. Communicating with others also gives an individual a different perspective on how process work. Learning takes place all the time we have to be open to all viewpoints.

A wiki refers to a website that allows many users to create, edit, update content and share knowledge (Noe, 2013) I’ve used wikis on large projects and when I solicit input from my peers on work that I have created to get their input. Team projects are a benefit to all involved because everyone feeds off of each other and learns from others as well. Many companies are using social networking tools to help employees learn informally and share knowledge both on an as needed basis and as part of formal training courses.

Simulations and games that can be delivered via a personal computer (or gaming technology such as an X-Box) immerse trainees in decision-making exercises in an artificial yet realistic environment that allow then to learn the consequences of their decisions (Noe, 2013) At my place of work, simulation and scenarios are fantastic ways to teach medical techniques for casualties while under fire. The more practice Navy medics have, the better they become at their craft. The beer industry also uses this type of teaching. Miller Brewing Company uses simulations to teach bartenders how to pour beer using the proper angle and height. They use a computer mouse and measure the distance and angle of the glass to the beer tap to create the proper “head” (the foam on top of the glass of beer). A point system is used to give feedback to the bartenders once the lesson is complete. (Noe, 2013)

In closing, the technologies discussed just skim the surface on the technologies that are available for use in the classroom. The technology doesn’t make the lesson, the way the technology compliments the lesson content is what makes a great learning experience. What do you want the learner to know upon completion of the course or training? Have you accomplished what you wanted them to learn? What could you have done better/ differently? What did you as a developer learn? Those are the questions that determine if the training was successful.

Reference

Image http://www.bing.com/images/search/?q=Information+Technology+Disadvantage&id=EBFC70D01E64F4AA3CE97353763793C8C1DB0547&FORM=BRQONH

Levy, L. (2015) What Drone Technology can Teach Students.  http://www.edudemic.com/drones-classroom-can-happen/

Noe, R. A. (2013). Employee training and development (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Schools Now Using Drones for Learning Controversial - Missouri NBC News, (2013) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmhPQt-yeWc