It’s always important to define one’s terms before starting a lengthy discussion of any topic. In this particular situation, I think of “instructional technology” as the use of any and all types of technology, whether in-class or online, to enhance classroom instruction. For example, I am currently using at least four different types in my large organic chemistry lecture on a regular basis (and more on an ad hoc basis). Things that come to mind include: the Blackboard course management system (and this would include the threaded discussion board that is included, as well as the ability to post all sorts of materials in the secure LMS environment); the OWL online homework system; the document camera in Lipke auditorium; and iClickers. I will expound at length on each of these (as well as others) in separate blog postings. But this is it for now. 🙂
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Marietta, thank you so much for sharing about instructional technology—something I very often geek out about. I’m so glad that you mention the document camera: so often I think people think of technology as being super-whizbang, and forget that simple things like chalk and chalkboards are technology as well. And of course, having it is one thing, being able to efficiently and effectively use it (I am awful at writing on vertical surfaces), is another!
I’m really looking forward to your continued writings on instructional technology and, especially, how it’s affecting and supporting your teaching.