Week 12B - Module #14: Career and Professional Development
On the one hand, finding one definition for instructional design and technology is a complex process. According to Reiser (2018), the goals of instructional technology expressed in different definitions have shifted over time, and “later definitions indicate the main goal is to improve learning” (p. 6). On the other hand, finding a defined professional profile for instructional designers is a more complicated process. A professional involved in the instructional design and technology field needs to possess various skills connected with other areas. According to Kumar and Ritzhaup (2017), “instructional designers need a robust background in education, instructional design models and technical skills, accompanied with an understanding of how to apply these to problems of teaching and learning” (p. 309). Apart from those educational skills, instructional designers need to know about new software and technologies to develop new systems. Kang and Ritzhaupt (2015) claim that professionals in this field must be “competent in a wide variety of software packages and information systems ranging from productivity software to LMS to educational authoring tools” (p. 248). Nowadays, there are several skills and knowledge needed in the current profiles for instructional designers.
Like many other professions, it is essential for instructional designers to “stay current with the times and trends in the 21st century” (Kang and Ritzhaupt, 2015, p. 248). This week, a couple of articles mention the need for instructional designers to continue with their progress in learning and performance. Since this field is very connected with technology tools, instructional designers should keep updated with emerging technologies to support other professionals. Klein and Rushby (2018) mention that “to stay abreast of recent developments in the field, scholars and practitioners join professional organizations, attend conferences, participate in formal and informal networking activities” (p. 220). From my perspective, being an instructional designer seems to require multidisciplinary skills to navigate in different professional fields and be able to connect with professionals from other disciplines.
Kang, Y. & Ritzhaupt, A. D. (2015). A job announcement analysis of educational technology professional positions: Knowledge, skills, and abilities. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 43(3), 231-256.
Klein, J. D., & Rushby, N. (2018). Getting involved in instructional design and technology: Recommendations for Professional Development. In R. A. Reiser & J. V. Dempsey (Eds.), Trends and issues in instructional design and technology (4th ed.) (pp. 219-228). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Kumar, S. & Ritzhaupt, A. D. (2017). What do instructional designers in higher education really do? International Journal of E-Learning, 16(4), 371-393.
Reiser, R. A. (2018). What field did you say you were in? Defining and naming our field. In R. A. Reiser & J. V. Dempsey (Eds.), Trends and issues in instructional design and technology (4th Ed.), (pp. 1-7). New York, NY: Pearson Education.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning, Professional development is a pretty vague thing to me. What does it stand for? After reading this week's articles, I realize Professional development helps continue to be competent in their profession and ensures that knowledge and skills stay relevant and up to date. The emphasis on PD also allows employees to be more aware of changing trends and directions in an industry. However, I also realize many people didn't invest enough time and energies in their career development.
Hi Claudio.
ReplyDeleteYour post this week hits close to home since my experience in instructional design has been similar to what you shared throughout your post. Recently, I switched from one instructional design position to another instructional design position which has required me to learn entirely new software. That said, one may learn current software, but when switching may need to learn completely new software. What I have discovered is that designing software is similar to other which makes the transition easier. What also stood out in your post was on learning and performance. Learning and performance coupled with staying up-to-date with authoring tools is essential to building competence as an instructional designer. Thank you for your thought-provoking post!