Utilization

Candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to use processes and resources for learning by applying principles and theories of (and research related to) media utilization, diffusion, implementations, and policy-making.

"Utilization is the act of using processes and resources for learning" (Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 46). This domain involves matching learners with specific materials and activities, preparing learners for interacting with those materials, providing guidance during engagement, providing assessment of the results, and incorporating this usage into the continuing procedures of the organization.

Utilization Reflections

In trying to understand how to better serve my students, I found it quite interesting putting myself in the learner’s shoes.  Going through the ITMA program, I have run into a great deal of resources and processes that have enhanced my student’s understanding of lessons that I develop.  It was not always easy trying to put into words the step-by-step instructions my students needed, especially for multimedia and technology related resources.  I feel (and have been told) that I have a natural ability to understand how to use these and breaking it down for a learner’s needs was challenging.  But, thanks to the ITMA program, I feel I am much better prepared to assist students, faculty, and any other learner that might need guided instruction in these areas.

**All files are in either (.doc) or (html) formats.

3.1 Media Utilization

"Media utilization is the systematic use of resources for learning" (Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 46). Utilization is the decision-making process of implementation based on instructional design specifications.

• Searching the Web to Address Your Needs: Education and the Web
  This document provides many resources that can be used to address instructional needs inside of the classroom.  Some examples are: determining learning styles, writing lesson plans, helping students with disabilities, and content-specific (Science) current events.
• Using Lesson Plans Online: Instructional Media
  This document shows how a lesson plan online can be manipulated and developed to meet the learner’s needs using the ASSURE model.  This particular lesson is about the International Space Station.

3.2 Diffusion of Innovations

"Diffusion of innovations is the process of communicating through planned strategies for the purpose of gaining adoption" (Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 46). With an ultimate goal of bringing about change, the process includes stages such as awareness, interest, trial, and adoption.

• Energyville: Software Evaluation
  The purpose of this document was to evaluate a program, which in this case is an online learning tool called “Energyville.”  The program was designed for all learners to explore and identify energy resources that can be used to better our environment and economy.
• Reigeluth Questions: Introduction to IT
  In Introduction to Instructional Technology, I read an article by Reigeluth (1994) entitled "The Imperative for Change."  This is my response to the article in which I discuss our county’s move to block scheduling in the middle school, as well as a change in the way teachers are being evaluated.

3.3 Implementation and Institutionalization

"Implementation is using instructional materials or strategies in real (not simulated) settings. Institutionalization is the continuing, routine use of the instructional innovation in the structure and culture of an organization" (Seels & Richey, 1994, p.47). The purpose of implementation is to facilitate appropriate use of the innovation by individuals in the organization. The goal of institutionalization is to integrate the innovation within the structure and behavior of the organization.

• Impediments Preventing Use of the Web to Address Your Needs: Education and the Web
  This document provides insight into the problems that the web can create when trying to implement distance learning and ways to effectively solve those problems.
• Media, Technology, and Learning: Instructional Media
  This document describes an experience I had using an ActivBoard in my classroom to teach a lesson on weather.  I discuss the problems with the lesson and things that could have been done to make the lesson better.
• Using Energyville: Instructional Media
  This document describes my experience using the program “Energyville” in my classroom as a teaching tool. 

3.4 Policies and Regulations

"Policies and regulations are the rules and actions of society (or its surrogates) that affect the diffusion and use of Instructional Technology" (Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 47). This includes such areas as web-based instruction, instructional and community television, copyright law, standards for equipment and programs, use policies, and the creation of a system which supports the effective and ethical utilization of instructional technology products and processes.

• Implications of Using the Web to Meet Your Needs: Education and the Web
  This document provides resources that can be used to teach censorship, privacy, and safety on the web.
• Copyright and Fair Use Issues on the Web: Education and the Web
  This document demonstrates my prior understanding of copyright laws and fair use issues regarding the web.  After having done research, it also gives my new found knowledge of these issues.