Another thought, I don't think I ever answered Dr. Monson's original questions he wanted us to write about when he asked us to begin blogging. Those questions were: what is technology? What does an 'instructional designer' do? What am I learning? What will I be able to do with my future degree?

The first night of EDPS 6430 opened my mind more to what could be considered technology. I admitted I am like many others who see the computer or other electronic advances as 'technology', however when Dr. Monson talked about the alphabet, paper, and other more basic tools we use to communicate, to learn, etc., it made me think about were our 'modern' technology would be without the alphabet. As Dr. Monson put it, the computer is really a dumb box, it does what you tell it. With all this said, I am working to expand my definition and use of the varied forms of technology.

As far as what an instructional designer does- I believe they work to set up steps to solve an existing problem in the most efficient and effective way.

I am learning a little about the history of ID and a lot about how to design instruction. As each new piece of knowledge is planted and nurtured in my mind, I hope it bears fruit in my efforts as a student and as a teacher.

With a degree in Instructional Design and Educational Technology I hope to be able to begin lesson preparation and presentation with my end goals in mind. I hope to design instruction that engages different senses of each student to make it a richer learning experience for them. Outside the classroom I hope to be able to more efficiently and effectively solve problems at home and in other areas of my life.