D/B 5

Chapter 3--History

As indicated in this chapter (ch. 3), today there is some optimism that the Internet and the World Wide Web will have a major influence on the way instruction is presented to learners. Based on what you know about these technological innovations, and what you read about the history of instructional films, television, and the computer, indicate whether you think the Internet and Web will have a major impact in one or more of the following areas:
• Educational programs at grades K—12
• Higher education
• Adult education

Although it has been predicted, unsuccessfully, in the past that certain technological media would transform public education in grades K--12; I think that the Internet and World Wide Web will have a rather large influence on the way instruction is presented to learners.

“Advances in computer technology, particularly with regard to the increasing multimedia capabilities of this medium, have made it easier for educators to design learning experiences that involve more complex interactions between learners and instructional content than has previously been the case” (p. 23). Instead of just being another media tool, computers are so advanced and full of educational possibilities/capabilities that it makes more sense for educators to use computers as a large part of instruction. It also makes instruction easier and yet more impactful.

One reason I think that the Internet and World Wide Web will impact instruction more than past efforts of other media is because they have already had some impact (although not yet completely major) no matter how small. I agree that the progress of impact may be slow, but “recent data leads me to believe it is likely to be steady” (p. 24).

Another reason that I think newer technologies will impact K—12 education more than those before today’s Internet and World Wide Web, is because of the interactive and multimedia capabilities of computers, Internet, and the Web. Now, we don’t just have various individual media, but through the Web, the capability to bring a conglomeration of media tools through one venue—the computer. This is highlighted in the text author’s statement that computers are able to “present information in a variety of forms, as well as to allow learners to easily link to various content…” (p. 23).

My opinion is also supported in the text author’s statement that: new digital technology is more accommodating than its predecessors to present authentic problems in learning environments, in which learners have a great deal of control of the activities they engage in and the tools and resources they use. Instead of the computer being used simply as a tool to support what educators are already doing, they can now be used to instruct and to transform instruction. This is proven through e-learning programs that higher education has adopted, which I believe could also work well in K—12 education, paired with instruction from in-person teaching.


Reiser, R. & Dempsey, J. (2007). Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology (2nd ed.). Prentice Hall.