Let Discuss: The difference between technology use and technology integration within the instructional design model for adult learners.

Explain the difference between technology use and technology integration within the instructional design model for adult learners. Technology use simply means that the learner does something with technology in the performance or to enhance their ability to achieve a particular result or effect from the ID model. Delgado et al. (2015) recognized that technology integration happens when the technology is integrated into the classroom or teaching/learning process to create a technologically enhanced learning environment, advance the pedagogy, or potentially restructure the core functions of the classroom. Dysart (2015) posits that educators must demonstrate the ability to balance technological knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and content knowledge for technology integration to be considered "successful." Ertmer (2012) identified various barriers to the successful integration of technology (i.e., attitudes, beliefs, of teachers, technology support, State-level technology standards, money, technology access, time, etc.). However, is encouraged recent changes to many of the previously stated barriers, teachers are being empowered to integrate technology more to better prepare learners for the future. Why? Because the optimization of the learner's capabilities is dependent on the integration of technology and the active engagement of teachers and learners based on the learning environment they collectively envision. ?

How would you be able to integrate media into the learning environment using the chosen instructional design model? If I were employing Merrill's First Principle of Instruction ID Model, technology that facilitates scenario-based learning (SBL) for problem-solving. Why? Because Merrill's ID model engages the learner across four phases of learning (i.e., activation, demonstration, application, and integration) (Instructional Design, n.d.). Katambur (2016) recognized that SBL enables the learner to fail and fix errors in a safe environment; they are video-enhanced, which aids in memory engagement. SBLs save time in the learning process, creates relevant and exciting stories for the learner to engage, promote critical thinking of the learner, and engage the necessary emotions of the learner.

What are some advantages and disadvantages of integrating technology into the instructional design model? If using Merrill's ID model and the SBLs to promote the learning process, some of the advantages of incorporating technology into the model are that technology improves the eLearning environment and offers a higher return on investment. Tucker (2021) captured that technology applications are more transferable in the learning environment, and technology integration builds on the learner's critical thinking. Technology also builds on the learner's confidence and creates authentic experiences for the learners when engaging in SBL. Almost any additional technology integration will present adverse effects on the learning environment. For instance, learners can become distracted by the technology and potentially disrupt the learning environment. Technology implementation requires monitoring, updates, backups, and training. Finally, technology integration costs money, has lots of hidden costs, and could promote less face-to-face time with the educator and cohorts in the class.

References:

Delgado, A., Wardlow, L., O'Malley, K. & McKnight, K. (2015). Educational technology: A review of the integration, resources, and effectiveness of technology in K-12 classrooms. Journal of Information Technology Education.Research, 14, 397-416. doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.28945/2298

Ertmer, P., Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A., Sadik, O., Sendurur, E., & Sendurer, P. (September, 2012). Teacher beliefs and technology integration practices: A critical relationship. Computers & Education, 59(2), 423-435.

Instructional Design Central (n.d.). Instructional Design Models. Retrieved from https://www.instructionaldesigncentral.com/instructionaldesignmodels

Katambur, D. (2016). 6 benefits of scenario-based learning. Retrieved from https://blog.commlabindia.com/elearning-design/scenario-based-learning-benefits-infographic

Tucker, C. (2021). Benefits of scenario-based learning. Retrieved from https://www.christytuckerlearning.com/benefits-scenario-based-learning/