Instructional design

In brief, the field of Instructional Design (ID) lies at the intersection of at least three disciplines: education (how people learn in formal and informal settings), psychology (how humans learn and develop), and communication (message design and communication). The field is not new; depending on the source you use, you can trace it back to the 1940s.

There are at least 40 different ID models (!) used in education, corporate, and government settings. All models share the same underlying process of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation, also known as the ADDIE process. This model was developed by Drs. Dick and Carey, who used to be faculty at the FSU College of Education. It is a world-recognized model, and I am proud that I was Dr. Dick’s student (a long time ago). There are other wonderful mentors and experts in the field (Marcy Driscoll, Bob Reiser, Walt Wager) which greatly contributed to my growth as instructional designer. Please access my diigo collection on ID.

Technology advances that will transform life, business, and the global economy

There are many new technologies emerging nowadays. Not all of them have potential to revolutionize our lives. But some do! The new report  was released recently by  McKinsey Global Institute listing 12 technologies which might transform the way we live and work. You can download an executive summary or the full report. It was exciting to see that that NU has Schools and departments working in the areas that have very high potential! We are on the right track!

Safer Internet Day 2014

February 11, 2014 the world community will celebrate Safer Internet Day. The theme for this year is: “Let’s create a better internet together”.  I believe NU community needs to participate proactively!  Want to know how to get started??? Of course with the diigo collection... We have several months for organizing workshops and events. Ideas? Suggestions? Please contact me.

9 events of instruction

We talk about learning and teaching a lot. Together with research they are the main business of the University. Teaching is both art and craft. As for the latter, it is very common to organize instructional activities for adults using the 9 events of instruction practice. How many do you typically have during your class? Curious to know what all 9 are? Please access my diigo collection. And as I always suggests to embed technologies (if appropriate) into any instruction, you will find on the same site a list of tools that might facilitate each of the nine events!

Bloom’s Taxonomy

It is not a new concept in education or professional training. The taxonomy was developed in late 40s and then revised in 2001. It is widely used in education to map and align learning objectives, outcomes, and assessment to make sure outcomes have been achieved. And a very useful framework to think about learning.  What’s great, there are many resources available which suggest what technologies might be used to facilitate student learning and achievement of outcomes. Let’s start exploring!

Lecturecapturing–might worth a try!

Lecture Capturing nowadays became quite sophisticated. The concept it still the same though: some technology is used to record  instructors and  their lectures digitally (using audio and/or video, screen capture, and/or PowerPoint slides, or whatever is displayed in class) and make those recordings available to students, ideally via the university learning management system. Instructors can do it at their desk, in a walk-in studio, or in a classroom.

There are many benefits to students (they can review the complex concepts covered in a lecture several times, use info to prepare for exams, or use the same technology to record their own presentations). Still some concerns remain (will students come to live lectures if they know they would have a recording?). I suggest we explore the resources and make informed decisions. My Diigo collection on lecture capturing resources will be the first stop!

Copyright and multimedia

Copyright was never an easy subject… Now place it in the context of multimedia environment and in the university located in Kazakhstan with faculty from many countries of the world. Different laws, somewhat different concepts… Let’s start from the very beginning and review laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan pertaining to copyright (yes, you can get them translated into English right there online, so no need to worry about them being in a foreign language), fair use guidelines applicable in US, and possibly come up with clear guidelines for faculty, staff, and students to follow. Let’s start educating ourselves with visiting my diigo collection on copyright and fair use.

Videoconferencing in instruction

We are lucky to have great videoconferencing facilities at NU. Even if your classroom is not equipped as a videoconferencing studio, simple webcam will do the trick! So, how can you use videoconferencing for instructional purposes? Possibilities are endless: connect with the experts in the field, have a virtual field trip, provide opportunities for your students to work on collaborative projects with students in other universities and in other countries, conduct a class while you are travelling, etc., etc., etc.  And you can check my diigo collection for more ideas and tips.

Academic Integrity

Is technology contributing to increase in cheating? It is one of the never ending debates… Technology can be also used to identify and prevent cheating (yes, we can use Turnitin, do timed  quizzes in the LMS, etc.). However, technology is not always the answer. There are many instructional strategies that might be actually more effective. Please visit my diigo collection on academic integrity and see what might work for you and your students.