Instructional Technology Master of Arts Program at Virginia Tech
Darrin Quesenberry
"Utilization is the act of using processes and resources for learning" (Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 46). I define utilization as creating a learning environment to teach and encourage learners during the learning process. The domain of utilization includes four subdomains: Media Utilization, Diffusion of Inovations, Implementation and Institutionalization, and Policies and Regulations.
Reflection
Utilization is an area of instruction that I have become very involved in since starting my career. I enjoy showing others that are not used to using technology for education, ways that technology benefits them. It's always very rewarding when they "get it" and are grateful you showed them something new.
Blended learning solutions are also becoming more and more popular. I am currently creating training curriculums that are a blend of classroom and online. Not all the training material is a lecture either. I may make a course that involves reading documents, watching videos, taking an eLearning course (created in Articulate Storyline) and then finally a classroom discussion with a subject matter expert. I am trying to focus on peoples strengths and I am finding that SME’s most of the time don’t like to teach someone how to do something. However, they’re more than happy to talk about what they do and answer questions and demonstrate things. I think learners get a lot more out of interactive classroom discussions as opposed to classroom lectures that don’t encourage interaction. As you will see in the video below, I am encouraging more online learning including WebEx conferences as opposed to classroom instruction.
In the future, I want to continue guiding people in what instructional technology they should be using to best help others learn. I am also excited to track the utilization of the training courses and environment that I am making.
AECT Standard 3: Utilization
-
WebEx and Moodle Together (MP4) This is a tutorial video showing learners how to join or start a WebEx training conference inside the learning environment.
3.1 Media Utilization:
"Media utilization is the systematic use of resources for learning" (Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 46). Utilization is the decision-making process of implementation based on instructional design specifications.
Artifacts
-
Software Evaluation Final Report (word document) This is an evaluation of the LMS Moodle. I had to evaluate different LMS options and convince my currently employer of how we could use it.
-
Final Evaluation Report New Employee Development Program ( word document) Part of the purpose of this report was to recommed changes to the program. One of the changes I recommended was more blended learning. (See page 18)
-
Project and Report (Knowledge Harvesting) (word document) Part of this report is to influence organizations to adopt knowledge harvesting methods in order to help avoid knowledg loss.
Artifacts
"Diffusion of innovations is the process of communicating through planned strategies for the purpose of gaining adoption" (Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 46). With an ultimate goal of bringing about change, the process includes stages such as awareness, interest, trial, and adoption.
3.2 Diffusion of Innovations:
-
Software Evaluation Final Report (word document) This is an evaluation of the LMS Moodle. I had to evaluate different LMS options and convince my currently employer of how we could use it.
-
IT in Your Professional Context (word document) Demonstrates the use of appropriate instructional materials and strategies in various learning contexts.
Artifacts
"Implementation is using instructional materials or strategies in real (not simulated) settings. Institutionalization is the continuing, routine use of the instructional innovation in the structure and culture of an organization" (Seels & Richey, 1994, p.47). The purpose of implementation is to facilitate appropriate use of the innovation by individuals in the organization. The goal of institutionalization is to integrate the innovation within the structure and behavior of the organization.
3.3 Implementation and Institutionalization:
-
Telecommunication Final (word document) The exam talks about issues related to distance learning that need to be considered when designing a distance learning course.
Artifacts
"Policies and regulations are the rules and actions of society (or its surrogates) that affect the diffusion and use of Instructional Technology" (Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 47). This includes such areas as web-based instruction, instructional and community television, copyright law, standards for equipment and programs, use policies, and the creation of a system which supports the effective and ethical utilization of instructional technology products and processes.
3.4 Policies and Regulations:
References
Seels, B.B., & Richey, R.C. (1994). Instructional technology: The definition and domains of the field.
Washington, DC: Association for Educational Communications and Technology.
