Chapter 3 Reflection

A history of Instructional Design and Technology:

As I began reading this chapter, and got through the early stage of IDT's history, and finally on to its more recent past, it really had quite a bit of impact for me. After getting get past some of the earlier dates, and statistical numbers, I began to reminisce about the actual part of this history that I remember going through myself, and now looking back to realize just how far we've come in such a relatively short amount of time. I can remember back to early elementary school where computers were merely used mostly in the library as a "play-time" activity where we mostly played Oregon Trail, or some other game wasting away time. At that time, the internet qne web didn't even exist yet. At this time, I still don't believe that the internet, and web have made a significant impat on K-12 classrooms. however I haven't been there in a while. Under the right control, and oversight, I believe that they could have a signifant impact in elementary classrooms. This process could potentially take quite some time though.

When it comes to higher education, and community colleges, I definately believe that there has already been a significant impact. Most universities, and colleges offer online courses, and distance learning, which this chapter talks about. WebCT, E-learning, and many other softwares exist out there that support this type of delivery, and teaching. I have a great respect for this use of the web, and internet. I truely believe that its the wave of the future, and unfortunately I think that if your not riding the wave (and keeping up with technologies, and innovations that are becoming availbale every day), then many people will be left behind. An example, of which -many people have adapted to is Emailing. Snail-mail is slowly becoming a thing of the past. When was the last time you wrote a hand-written letter, and sent it out via the USPS?

As for the Military, after reading the chapter, It looks as though it may already be leaping ahead of the private sector in this area, which is already a significant impact.