New Directions in IDT

I do not currently work at the moment but when I do start working, I am planning on obtaining a position in Course Design in Distance Learning and in a few years I want to be a Training and Development Manager. I chose to reflect on how I might be able to apply eLearning Environments, Web 2.0 Technologies and Rich Media in my future IDT field.  I will provide a brief definition as to what these particular technologies are and then I will describe or provide examples as to how I plan to use them in my future career. Lastly, I will provide you with learning goals and/or objectives within the text, Prezi, or YouTube video. 

eLearning Environments: learning that is enabled and maintained though the use of information and communications technology. Being that I am planning on Designing Course for Distance Learning, it has to be said that eLearning environments are a must-have because without eLearning environments then there would not be a need for distance learning. There are many students that prefer distance learning (not taking classes face-to-face) because of reasons such as work schedule, commuting needs, learning disabilities, or because they just feel more comfortable being in their own setting and working at their own pace. I plan on using technology to support a wide range of educational activity. Some ways that I plan on using eLearning to engage my students to use the web is a platform for discussion, a resource to find and properly use other people's educational materials, produce interactive web pages, include mulitmedia elements into my teaching materials, and online assessment. 

Web 2.0 Technologies: advanced internet technology and applications that consist of blogs, wikis, Facebook and Twitter. As for Web 2.0 Technologies and how I plan to use those in either of my future positions, I created a Prezi a while back and would like for you to click on the link and you will have a better understanding of how I plan to use them. 

Joddi's Prezi Link

Virtual Worlds: 2-D or 3-D environments that stimulate real-world objects and allows the users to interact with other users at the same time from all over the world. I would use this to create a learning environment that my students can place themselves in, that way they would be an actual part of the lesson that I plan on teaching. This type of learning will surely engage the learners and have them wanting to obtain more knowledge. Check out this YouTube video about Virtual Worlds and the many things you can do with them to engage your learners. 

Could the technology facilitate attainment of that learning goal better than traditional instruction? Why or why not? I believe that the technology that I selected will facilitate attainment of the learning goals I have selected better than traditional instruction. Students need to be stimulated, engaged, and free from boredom in the classroom and/or in the online classroom. By keeping your students engaged in learning it gives them the ability to actually do better and not get bored with their assignments. Students may also want to work ahead just to see what the next lesson holds for them.  

Ethical issues using the technology, Does the technology enhance accessibility and accommodate diverse learning needs? How much guidance would instruction with that technology require? What kinds of guidance would be necessary? As with any technology there will always be some kind of issue that can usually be solved. As a teacher or trainer, I need to make sure that I have set the learning objectives while using eLearning Environments, Web 2.0 Technologies and Virtual Worlds. I will have to make sure that my selection and use of particular games, lessons and training modules adhere to the learning needs of my students and/or trainees. I must make sure that I am aware of the various cultures that I will be teaching or training and be sensitive to their culture and backgrounds by making sure that I do not offend anyone with the games or lessons being presented. I would make sure that the proper amount of guidance (if required) is given to my students or trainees but in order to do that I must first experiment with the technology to see what kind of guidance that they might require. 

Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at it

I am currently seeking a career in the educational field, but I have not worked in over 3 years for many reasons. The factors that made me decide to stop working and focus more on my education include a divorce after 12 years of marriage, a new marriage, a custody battle with my ex-husband over my 3 children, becoming homeless with my 3 children and new husband, 10 surgeries, and numerous health problems. But since everything is looking up and is so much better, I have decided that since I am nearing the end of my college education, I thought it would be best if I started applying for positions at the college I want to work for. 

I have my Bachelors of Science in Instructional Training and Design and I am pursuing my Masters of Science in Global eLearning. With those two degrees combined I hope to get the position that I applied for at my local community college which is Advisor Retention Specialist. Starting in January 2015, I am guaranteed a position as Course Designer. This is where I will gain the experience that I need to land that ultimate career that I WILL get. I want to work for the college for about 2-3 years for that background experience before I apply for the Training and Development Manager for a major corporation. 

What is a Training and Development Manager? Training and development managers plan, direct, and coordinate programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of an organization’s employees. They also oversee a staff of training and development specialists. Training and development managers work in nearly every industry. They typically work in offices and spend much of their time working with people. Most work full time during regular business hours. Candidates need a combination of education and related work experience. Although training and development managers need a bachelor’s degree for many positions, some jobs require a master’s degree. Training and development managers oversee training programs, staff, and budgets. They are responsible for organizing training programs, including creating or selecting course content and materials. Often, training takes place in a classroom, computer laboratory, or training facility. Some training is in the form of a video, Web-based program, or self-guided instructional manual. Training may also be collaborative, which allows employees to informally connect with experts, mentors, and colleagues, often through social media or other online mediums. Regardless of how it is conducted, managers must ensure that training content, software, systems, and equipment are appropriate and meaningful. This is the career that I WILL get...when the time is right. I am currently lacking the actual working experience but after that is completed then I will have that career that I have always dreamed of and wanted.