Week One

Week One

Two technologies I would not want to live without are the internet, and my husbands blood sugar monitor. The internet provides me the opportunity to complete my education online, work from home and remain competitive in today’s workforce. The internet is also the fastest way to communicate with family and friends. When my children are far from home, it is a luxury to log in, communicate instantly, and share photos. When my husband had to deploy for six months, it took several weeks for snail mail to communicate the simplest of messages. Today, a simple click of the mouse connects our family and eases our concerns. The second piece of technology that I cannot live without is his monitor. It is a true technological wonder, giving us vital, lifesaving information on his blood sugar. If these technologies failed, the most difficult one to live without would be the monitor. It would be difficult not talking with the boys as often, but we would manage with the postal service, and the postal service would probably appreciate the business:)The technology from the monitor however is a different story. We would have to travel more often to the doctor to monitor his sugar and become even more in tune with dietary concerns and the effects of work, stress and exercise on his body.
What was surprising about this week’s resource is the information that “Instructional technology involves the systematic application of processes to solve instructional problems”. (Carlson) With a clear understanding of the working definition of instructional technology, we are able to build upon this knowledge, creating opportunities in the on-line environment. Another aspect to this week’s resource is the reinforcement of cognitive science, and the connection to our ability to learn. With our resources, and the recognition of ““learning” to theories of “cognition” we discover how humans and our processing patterns evolve. (Gagne, Reinick)
Developing and understanding the role technology has in our lives, gives us the tools needed to become successful in our endeavors. Combining current technology information with instructional design enables us to develop the skills, experience and knowledge to evolve from students, to become teachers. A skill, when developed properly, promotes lifelong learning and a desire to enrich the lives of others.

References
Gagne, Robert M., “Is Educational Technology in Phase?, “Educational Technology, February, 1980, pp.7-14.
“Instructional Technology. “Encyclopedia of Educational Leadership and Administration. 2006. SAGE Publications. 6Aug.2009. http://sage-erefrence.com/eleadership/Article_n294.html.