Shelf to Screen Chronicles

        Above: Instructional technologists are experts in the latest distance education tools and techniques. Photo/Getty Images. During my time as a doctoral student in instructional design and technology, we were asked to write an essay in response to this question: Is instructional technology/design and distance education a profession?  Here is my response:

In the midst of juggling my roles as a faculty librarian, mom, wife, and doctoral student, I am thrilled to share the latest developments in my Ed.D. journey and 🥁 🥁 🥁 the completion of my first book, "Empathy by Design: Empathy-Driven Marketing for Libraries" to be published for the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Publications to be available on February 2024.  Also, I am excited to share with you the latest developments in my Ed.D. journey, particularly the progress made in crafting the first three chapters of my dissertation. Dissertation Focus: Exploring Preferred Communication Methods and Experiences My dissertation, " Exploring Preferred Communication Methods and Experiences: Reducing Psychological Distance for First-Generation College Students and Librarians in Online and In-Person Learning Environments - An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, " is progressing well. As a first-generation college student, I've faced and overc...

There are many different definitions of distance education, but the one offered by Simonson et al. is one of the most comprehensive. According to Simonson et al. (2019), distance education is "formal education where the learning group is separated and interactive telecommunication systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors" (p. 31). This definition covers all of the main aspects of distance education, including using technology to connect students and teachers and for formal learning purposes like getting a college degree or professional development. The popular (layman's) definition or understanding of distance education is that it is a way to learn without attending traditional, face-to-face classes. I would consider my definition closer to the popular definition or understanding of the field because most people believe distance education is synonymous with online learning. While this is true, it is only part of the story.  Additionally, some...

Online learning is the perfect solution for continuing your education and professional development during the COVID-19 pandemic. With MOOCs (massive open online courses) and other online learning platforms, you can learn from anywhere in the world at any time. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are wondering how they can continue their education and professional development remotely. In this video, we offer tips for staying productive and motivated while learning online with a successful online learner, Alethia. Alethia is a successful online learner who offers tips for staying productive and motivated while learning online. Watch this video to learn from her experience!

My paper for the course on Perspectives on ITDE with Dr. Judith  Converso provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the Media Effects debate. It offers a balanced perspective on the various arguments that have been put forth and I hope provides you with a well-informed view on the topic.  Enjoy! The Media Effects Debate Reviewed Clark’s “mere vehicles” stance invites instructional technology and distance education (ITDE) scholars to imagine that education is a vehicle and media is in the vehicle. According to Clark (2012), “media is a vehicle” rather than a means to an end for learning, and “content effects achievement” for the learner is what really matters in the use of technology (p. 2). In addition, Smaldino et al. (2015) suggest that when choosing a medium, instructors need to be aware of the instructional setting, learner characteristics, and the capabilities of the selected medium.  Ultimately, the learner will use the media in meaningful ways, crea...

Lately, I have been doing some research on Clark's "Mere Vehicles" debate for a paper that I'm writing for my Perspectives in ITDE course with Dr. Judith Converso. I have found that there are a few different perspectives on this debate.  Some people believe that media is an essential part of learning, but it does not influence learning, and of course, it can be used to supplement other methods of instruction. Others believe that media does influence learning. I believe that there is merit to both sides of the debate. However, I ultimately come down on the side of using media as a tool for learning.  I think that media can be a great way to engage students and provide them with additional ways to absorb the information being learned. Additionally, media can be used to supplement other methods of instruction, such as lectures or readings. Ultimately, the decision of how much to use media in instruction should be made on a case-by-case basis. It is up to each instructor...

There's no doubt that technology has transformed the educational landscape. Online learning and blended classrooms are now commonplace, and teachers are using technology in the classroom to engage students in new and innovative ways. However, with all of the new possibilities that technology brings to the classroom, it's important to make sure that you're using it in a way that will benefit your students.  First, consider how you're using technology to facilitate communication.  Are you using it to help students connect with each other and with you?  Are you using it to provide timely feedback?  Communication is essential for a successful classroom community, and technology can help facilitate that communication. Next, think about how you're using technology to support student learning.  Are you using it to supplement your instruction?  Are you providing opportunities for students to use technology to explore new concepts and practice what they're learning?...

  Web 2.0 tools like online student response systems to engage students in active learning are the latest trend in educational technology. Submitted in partial completion of the course IDT 7914 for Nova Southeastern University