Why Instructional Design Must Focus on Learning Outcomes

Our e-Learning focus for 2016 continues to be around Addressing the Specific Needs of Learners using technology. We have promoted this as a mindset change from "I have this technology, what is something cool I can do with it" to one of "I have this learning need, how the the technology help address this".

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Essentially, if we are to become effective at using technology, it has to be a purposeful change in the way we teach.

A reading we have used was a blog post on Ed Surge. The article is clear in its message...if technology is just used as a tool to engage our students, then the learning will not be successful. The learning activities need to be designed learning need first...technology second. The author has a great example of 2 possible txt conversations between home and student

It may be hard to see, but the left column...the conversation is all about the technology and how cool it was, the right column is all about the learning, and what the student gained from using the technology. By focussing on designing lessons to meet students needs, then think about possible uses of technology to enhance the learning...the 2nd teacher has created a wonderful learning focussed environment.

I've been guilty in the past of wanting to use particular tools just for the sake of it...Minecraft is often the example I use. I wanted to use it, so shoehorned it into lessons...focussing on using the game, rather than the learning needs of my students. It is much harder to reverse that process. 

The article ends with two great points..."Date the tech, but marry the ability" and "Student growth is the result of the practice, not the product". In other words...don't get hung up on the technology, concentrate more on what it can allow you do to with students, and don't think that the tech can be the saviour. We are the educators, we have to modify practice and focus on the learning needs of our learners if we want to see change.