Instructional technology encompasses the hardware, software, and media used to present instruction to learners outside of traditional methods like instructors, textbooks, and chalkboards. It includes technologies like computers, video devices, and smart devices for both instructor and learner input and output. Software programs are used for designing and delivering instruction, including presentation software, video/audio recording tools, and web-based platforms. Learners access instructional technology through online courses, videos, games, and surveys on various devices. The field has evolved significantly with new technologies but the role of instructors remains important as guides for engaging learners.

2. Contents
• Instructional Technology
• Definition
• Hardware
• Software
• Access
• Analysis

3. Instructional Technology
Author Thomas Reiser robustly details the
instructional technology and media used from
the inception of instructional design and
technology to the current state of the field in
Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and
Technology (Reiser, 2018).

4. Definition
Instructional technology
can be defined as the
elements of instruction
used to present to the
learner that do not
included the instructor,
textbook, or chalkboard.
This will include the use of
various hardware, media,
and software.

5. Hardware
Hardware used for
instructional design and
for its delivery overlap as
the use of computers,
video recording devices,
microphones, video
displays, and smart
devices can be used for
instructor or learner input
or output.

6. Hardware
Connectivity is typically
necessary as formative and
summative assessments
require evaluation and
delivery of feedback. This
requires and internet
connection from a device
to allow this process to
occur

7. Software
Software is defined by Oxford as “The programs
and other operating information used by a comp
As it relates to instructional design and technology,
this encompasses the programs and media used to
create and deliver instruction.
uter” (Lexico, n.d.).

8. Software
Design software includes a
variety of avenues.
Presentation software
includes commonly used
Microsoft Powerpoint and
various other current
alternatives to include
Prezi, Google Slides,
Keynote, and Haiku Deck
(Vyond Team, 2018).

9. Software
Live streaming and pre-recorded
video and audio are commonly
used techniques in instructional
delivery. This requires the use of
audio recording software such as
Audacity or Garage Band
(Sweeney, 2019) or video
recording software for either a PC
(SnagIt, ShareX) or mobile
devices ones designed for mobile
devices.

10. Software
Web-based instruction can be delivered through live or
pre-recorded material though platforms such as Adobe
connect, Zoom, or Google Hangouts (Pappas, 2015).

11. Access
Learners access instructional technology
through various mediums. Instruction occurs
through the use of online portals for college
courses, accessing videos through websites,
playing video games with instructional focus, or
completing surveys on mobile devices. The
assessment piece is also commonly embedded
into lessons through surveying, quizzes, or
outcomes on games.

12. Analysis
The field of instructional design and technology has
evolved over the past century as society embraces
new forms of media. As is common in academia,
embracing new ideas remains critical, but
sometimes predictions have overstated the true
impact and potency. Instructional films, and later
instructional television, were anticipated to replace
the then existing teacher’ led instructional models,
which has yet to occur.

13. Analysis
With the advent of online learning, the role of the
instructor has evolved but is still as critical as ever.
As instructors have a plethora of tools at their
disposal to continue to engage learners, the need
for skill development increases. Instructors should
receive continuous professional development to
access relevant technologies and be aware of
current educational trends.

14. Analysis
Online learning continues to gain a larger portion
of college coursework and trends in business and
public education mirror this movement.
Instructional technology engages the learner and
its use mirrors behavioral patterns of the audience
(i.e. as personal computer use in the home grew, so
did the use of computer for instructional
purposes).

15. Analysis
As with technology in society, instructional
technology will continue to evolve rapidly.
Predicting the next major innovation may be
difficult, but he the advent of artificial
intelligence may have the greatest impact in the
foreseeable future as its use becomes more
common.

16. References
Lexico. (n.d.) Definition of software. Retrieved from
https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/software
Pappas, C. (2015) Top 10 Video Conferencing Systems for eLearning Professionals.
Reterived from https://elearningindustry.com/top-10-video-conferencing-systems-
for-elearning-professionals
Reiser, R. A., & Dempsey, J. V. (2018). Trends and issues in instructional design and
technology. (4th Ed.) Boston: Pearson.
Sweeney, G. (2019). The 6 Best Apps and software for recording podcasts retrieved
from https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/apps-software-recording-podcasts/
Vyond Team (2018). The 9 Best Business Presentation Software Alternatives To
PowerPoint .Retrieved from https://www.vyond.com/resources/the-6-best-
business-presentation-software-alternatives-to-powerpoint/