Reflections on IDT

There are a couple of themes that I see across the three contexts - business, P-12, and higher education - within instructional design/technology. Across all three, instructors collaborate, evaluate and work to push technology out to their students. Chapter 21 used several models (ASSURE and NTeQ) to evaluate success, but even at the higher education level, instructors use various ways to evaluate success of their training. I do a lot of online training in teaching, and it often ends with online evaluations to make sure the training modules were successful. Online training is indeed a common them across business, P-12, and higher-ed. It's become an easy way to distribute customized training that is leveled for each student.

As for Chapter 26, many of his lessons are relevant no matter what your field. Lesson #8 - Develop a Strong Set of Communication Skills - is in my opinion critical no matter what career path you choose. Communication is a key skill for success...if you can communicate effectively, you are far more likely to do your job, whatever that job may be, well.  I also believe Lesson #14 - Develop an Area of Expertise - is an excellent recommendation. It is always a great idea to differentiate yourself. According to USA Today, we train twice as many K-5 teachers as there are jobs each year. We need to specialize - there aren't enough math & science teachers, there aren't enough experts. We have to do more. Be an expert. Go beyond simple K-5, or don't expect a job right out of school. These are great recommendations, and I personally got reading and math endorsements because I knew this was an issue.

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