Learning — to some it is the sound of chalk on blackboards, the search through stacks of scribbled notes, and backpacks full of heavy textbooks. For others with a less traditional lens, learning is the summoning of professors with a click of a mouse, assignments no longer living on paper, but in a cloud, and the ‘classroom’ being everywhere. Education has changed considerably in recent years and we don’t expect it to slow down anytime soon.
Because of the advancement of technology, institutions are able to reach more students than ever with the help of quality and accessible online courses. ‘eLearning’, ‘distance education’, ‘blended learning’, ‘online campuses,’ and other related programs have grown more prominent in higher education institutions. According to NCES data, there were 5.5 million students enrolled in distance education courses at degree-granting postsecondary institutions in fall of 2013.
There are many technologies flooding the market that help foster innovative teaching and learning. These tools, such as learning management systems, lecture capture systems, simulation creators, authoring, and video and audio tools, have flooded into the classrooms and lecture halls of higher education. However, the inference that these innovative tools aid learning should not be immediately assumed. With faculties’ full work load, learning and implementing new and often complex tools to improve their online pedagogy isn’t a priority. In fact, as the needs and tools of institutions have evolved, instructional designers have positioned themselves as pivotal players in the design and delivery of learning
experiences. Instructional designers exist to bridge the gap between faculty instruction and student online learning. But who, exactly, are instructional designers? What do they do? Where do they fit in higher education?
Via Edumorfosis
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