1. Instructional
Design
Jennifer Genovevo
http://flic.kr/p/4i45pw

2. List of Postcards
3-4: History of ID
5-6: Definition of ID
7-8: Notion of “systems”
9-10: Use of Models
11-12: Constructivism
13-14: Empiricism
15-16: Behaviorism
17-18: Information Processing Theory
19-20: Relate ID & EDTECH
21: APA References

4. History of ID
Instructional design appears to have its origins at Michigan State University in the early
1960s and later in the World War II era. The early systematic process that took place
at Michigan State University did so to improve college courses. The model studied at
this time was the Barson model. This model is believed to have provided a demand for
early research on instructional design. Although there are other known works earlier
than the 1960s they do not seem to use the specific term of instructional development.
I chose the pyramid scene in the prior slide to illustrate that something created years
ago still has an impact in today’s day just as instructional design is still used and
implemented today.
http://flic.kr/p/4xH8eD

6. ID Definition
Instructional design in my eyes is the process of creating a lesson that will make
someone’s knowledge of that topic more proficient, effective, and engaging. It takes
much work to create such lessons. A common model that is used by many is the
ADDIE model with it’s five phases including analysis, design, development,
implementation, and evaluation. I chose the image in the prior slide because It appears
that the man is in the midst of deep thought but if you look closer there is a butterfly
that he is staring at in the trees. It is a hidden gem. The life of a butterfly in a way
represents the process of instructional design that inevitably ends up as a thing of
beauty if properly implemented.
http://flic.kr/p/cpMFsw

8. Notions of Systems
I believe that the systematic portion of instructional design implies the organizational
process. Systematic suggests that there are steps that must take place. The design, in a
way follows a more general template. However, this does not make systematic
instructional designs all the same. There is still creativity when making such designs for a
lesson. A systematic instructional design can still produce excellent implementations.
The camera image reminds me of a process that must be taken in order for a picture to
be completed by the click of a button.
http://flic.kr/p/q5KGF

10. Use of Models
Models are useful to many people for any task at hand. An instructional designer may
feel in the same way. This does not make the design a “cookie cutter” design but instead
guides it in a specific direction. The model that I like best is the ADDIE model.
Following the ADDIE model comes naturally to most people. I would follow this model
when designing lessons even before I knew it existed. Models help instructors make
sure that a lesson is designed in the best way possible without missing any key points
mainly because of its embedded organization. I chose the pillars as a visual metaphor
because although they appear quite natural it was put together by an intricate plan.
Initially there was a plan at hand to place them there and now nature is taking it’s
course to transform them but inevitably keep them in their original locations.
http://flic.kr/p/bc7MWK

12. Constructivism
Constructivism dates back to Jean Piaget who believed that “knowledge is not
transmitted: it is constructed” (Smith & Ragan, 2005). There are many different
theories within the philosophy of constructivism. For instance, some philosophers
believe that learners must recreate knowledge whereas others believe that knowledge
is a combination of knew and prior experiences. This knowledge is apparent in both
social and individual situations. The image I chose to portray constructivism was a
person standing on books. The books represent the man’s prior knowledge that is still
evident in his present and future life.
http://flic.kr/p/5bmw4d

14. Empiricism
Empiricism is another philosophical perspective of instructional design. This theory
is based on knowledge being learned through experience. These theorists believe
that you must experience your knowledge in order for it to be recollected when
needed later in life. The slide prior to this one shows an infant experiencing water
for the first time and therefore learning that it is wet. He or she will never forget
that bit of knowledge. Senses play a huge part when learning according to an
empiricist. And this infant learned it first hand.

16. Behaviorism
The theory of behaviorism is the most extreme. Behaviorists believe that learning may
only be studied if a behavior can also be observed. Hence, why it is termed
behaviorism. A person’s behavior determines how he or she can learn and by
observing that behavior we can better design lessons for that individual. A memorable
behaviorist that I have studied in the past is Ivan Pavlov. Pavlov was a famous Russian
physiologist. One of his studies entailed conditioning a dog to salivate from the chime
of a bell. He succeeded in his conditioning because he would initiate the dog’s feeding
with a bell and soon enough he conditioned the dog to think every time the dog heard
the bell that it would associate it with food. Pavlov’s design was solely based on
observation hence why I chose my image for behaviorism. I was conditioned to search
for images with bells and a dog and combined the searches to present the taco bell dog
.
http://flic.kr/p/5cEZii

18. Information Processing Theory
Contrasting the behaviorist theories, the information processing theories concentrate on
the processing that takes place within an individual’s brains. This theory concentrates on
the cognitive aspect of learning and how the brain can be organized into different
compartments. Within an individual’s brain there is a working memory that can be
increased and advanced through learning experiences. Therefore increasing a person’s
cognitive development. The information processing theory also believes that our senses
are converted into receptors and stored within our brains. This theory takes on a more
scientific roll to learning and explains how people are able to absorb knowledge. By
studying the parts of the brain that are affected through learning, designers can be able to
appeal to as many compartments as possible in order for learning to be retained. I chose
a Ferris wheel to represent the information processing theory because the individual
carts remind me of the different components of the brain. The Ferris wheel is also a
scientific marvel. It is amazing how such a small generator can power an enormous
object just like our brain does for us.
http://flic.kr/p/5edtTy

20. Instructional Design & EDTECH
Instructional design is not only a key component in a classroom setting but also
within the online world. Educational Technology and Instructional Design go hand
and hand. Without a properly thought out design, education will not be successful in
our technological world. The technological aspect of a course has to be extremely
thought out and designed prior to any implementation. Every aspect of a course
needs to be able to be tied to the learner. Not only does the design need objectives
and assessments, but it also needs numerous types of instruction for all types of
students of different knowledge base. Designing within the educational world may
require much more planning than within a classroom. It is necessary to back up
everything that is created along with making sure everyone may access the resources
that are required with proper direction. The image I chose was an easy correlation
for me. I find that education is being designed more thoroughly in order to relate to
anyone around the world. The drive for technology within a learning environment
allows learners to not be restricted on how or who they can learn from. The world
is endless and hence technology integrates an endless learning environment for all.
http://flic.kr/p/9T3DWn

21. APA References
Gustafson, Kent L.; Branch, Robert Maribe. (2002). Survey of Instructional
Development Models.
Reiser, Robert A. A History of Instructional Design and Technology: Part II: A History of
Instructional Design.
Smith, Patricia L.; Ragan, Tillman J. (2005). Instructional Design. Third Edition. 3-23.
Molenda, Michael. (2003). The ADDIE Model. A Kovalchick & Dawson, Ed’s, Educational
Technology: An Encyclopedia. Copyright by ABC-Clio, Santa Barbara, CA.