Instructional design has evolved over time based on learning theories and needs. Early influences included Greek philosophers and the writings on learning and memory. Behaviorism became influential in the 1920s and was used to develop military training materials during World War II. In the 1950s, theorists like Skinner and Bloom contributed taxonomy and objectives. The space race of the 1950s led to more science and math materials. Early instructional design models emerged in the 1960s incorporating task analysis, objectives, and testing. Gagne and Silvers conducted influential research applying systems approaches. Growth of computers in the 1980s expanded instructional delivery methods. Current constructivist theories emphasize authentic and applied learning.

1. History of Instructional DesignAndrea ReederSeptember 8, 2011IDT 7052

2. What is IDT?According to Kent Gustafson and Rob Branch instructional design is a systematic process that is employed to develop education and training programs (Reiser and Dempsey, 2007).

3. Contributing TheoriesGreek philosophers : writings on learning and memorySt. Thomas Aquinas: free will in terms of teachingJohn Locke: gaining knowledge through experience 17th centuryJohn Dewey: learning by doing13th century20th century

4. BehaviorismInfluential theory in the development of IDTDefined as the measurement and study of human behaviors (Resier and Dempsey, 2007)IDT views this theory as more encompassing then stimulus-response (Resier and Dempsey, 2007)1920’s

5. World War II: rapid advancement in the fieldPsychologist and educators developed training materials for soldiers.1930-1945

6. American Institute for ResearchDeveloped numerous analysis, design, and evaluation procedures.Leading ResearcherB. Miller author ofPsychological Principles in System Development1946

7. B. F. SkinnerAuthor of The Science of Learning and the Art of TeachingDeveloped the characteristics of effective programmed materials.1954

8. ObjectivesTaxonomy of Educational ObjectivesBenjamin Bloom developed learning outcomes in terms of objectives.Bloom’s Taxonomy depicts a hierarchy, showing the relationship between the outcomes.Bloom’s Taxonomy1956

9. SputnikThe launch of Sputnik, a Soviet space satellite, lead to reforms in math and science education. Science and math instructional materials developed using US government funding.1957

10. Early Instructional Design Models A model for systemically designing material was developed by incorporatingTask Analysis, Objective Specification, &Criterion-Referenced Testing*1960’s *Robert Glaser developed the term criterion-reference. His research allowed educators to assess for previous knowledge and develop materials that are learner specific.

11. Robert Gagne: Key ResearcherAuthor of “Military Training and Principles of Learning” and The Conditions of LearningContributions: Described various types of learning outcomes and events of instruction (Reiser and Dempsey, 2001)Structures of learning and analysis1965

12. L. C. Silvern: Key ResearcherResearch assisted in field’s creation (Reiser and Dempsey) Model based on behaviorismApplied general system theory (GST) to solving instructional problemsResearch Interest: Aerospace and Defense1965

13. Systems ApproachRapid growth and development in the creation of new models for systemically designing instruction. 1970’s

14. MicrocomputersGrowth in computer based instruction1980’s

15. Human Performance Technology MovementEmphasizesOn the job performanceBusiness resultsNon-instructional solutions to problems1990’s to 2000’s

16. ConstructivismCurrent theory influencing instructional design technologyKey ResearchersPiagetVygotskyEmphasizes Authentic learning Application of learning to daily life.Piaget1990’s to 2000’s

17. ReferencesDempsey, J.V., & Reiser, R. (2007).Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology (2nd ed.).Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.Leigh, D. (n.d.). A Brief History of Instructional Design. Retrieved September 5, 2011 from http://www.pignc-ispi.com/articles/education/brief%20history.htmReiser, R. (2001). A History of Instructional Design and Technology: Part II: A History of Instructional Design. ETR&D, 49, 57-67.

18. ReferencesThe History of Instructional Design. (n.d.). Retrieved August 31, 2011 from Preceden Web site: http://www.preceden.com/timelines/8906-history-of-instructional-design.