A Personal Definition of the Field of Instructional Design & Technology

Instructional design and technology is a systematic approach to designing instruction in which professionals identify the needs of a learner(s) and set measurable goals/objectives in order to solve an identified problem. Professionals in the field then design, develop and implement an approach to meet the learners needs which may utilize instructional media as a support. Continuous monitoring and adjusting of instruction is necessary throughout the process and should account for the human performance spectrum, oftentimes requiring interventions in order for the learner(s) to be successful.

At the moment I expect my future IDT job will be one of two occupations. My intent is to pursue a job in Higher Education as a professor. Specifically I would like to teach an Undergraduate level Education course on using technology in the classroom. Within the course it would be important for students to have an understanding of the Instructional Design approach to creating lessons and how to utilize technology tools as classroom supports. If I am not teaching Higher-Ed then I intend to pursue a job such as my current position, as an Instructional Technology Administrator for a school district. In this position I work with teachers to encourage and support the use of technology within the classroom.