1. Critical thinking is a crucial skill for anyone working in instructional technology, due in large part to the speed with which technology evolves. Educators trying to stay up to date on the latest trends in this area must carefully consider and analyze research prior to implementing new technologies and techniques into their classroom. The goal of instructional technology is to improve the delivery of information to the end user or learner. The instructor must have a clear outcome defined and then carefully analyze the best way to meet that goal. If a new technology has the potential to help meet a goal, the instructor must take time to research the program to determine if it will truly add educational value. This analysis should draw on the instructor’s previous experience and the ability of the end user to ultimately benefit by the incorporation of the technology. This analysis not only has to focus on the research, but also factor in the human aspect that is present in education. This requires a great deal of critical thinking, because the instructor must analyze previous experiences and determine if the new technology will work well with the learning styles of the students. <br />One example that comes to mind is the many reports of teachers using iPods in their classroom to increase student reading achievement. These reports did a wonderful job demonstrating the great uses for this device in the classroom. Each report demonstrated either an increase in student reading fluency, or reading comprehension. This tool is one of many that might have great benefits in the hands of the right instructor, with the right set of students at the right time. The instructor must employ all their critical thinking skills to determine whether an iPod would be well suited for the learning environment or if the students would perceive it as just another classroom toy.<br />