Module 7 - Applying learning theories to instructional design; Promoting ethical technology use in education

Unit 13- Applying Learning Theories to Instructional Design 

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Unit 14- Promoting Ethical Technology Use in Education 

I will be utilizing constructivist learning theory for my final assignment. Constructivist learning theory simply put is not actually a theory however it is a epistemology of learning (Shunk, 2012).  Constructivism postulates that learners acquire knowledge from within and educators need to develop lessons that challenge learners already constructed knowledge. 

This has been a very timely course for me as I have started a new career journey where I am an adjunct.  I am teaching a course in Foundations of Inquiry which challenges students to critically examine information, have an understanding of basic research methods, and apply different disciplines in inquiring around them. I have challenged myself to apply the principles, concepts and knowledge from this course into my new role. I am especially appreciative on the modules that emphasized morality, ethics, and diversity into the classroom. In my opinion anyone in an educator role should have to take a similar course to this one as I feel it opens the eyes into the multitude of issues that students are challenged with. 

Module 6 - Introduction to classroom diversity; Applying UDI to classroom diversity

Unit 11- Introduction to Classroom Diversity

Classroom diversity refers to the various make up of the student body in classrooms.

This includes diversity within socioeconomic classes, religious differences, cultural

differences, disabilities, and gender identities. Educators needs to be

consciously aware of the diversity within their classroom and tailor their teaching

to be received by all students.

Unit 12- Applying UDI to Classroom Diversity

UDI principles when applied to the classroom helps in resolving any issues that may arise within diverse classrooms. UDI can be beneficial to all learners by creating a learning environment that remove barriers. Examples of UDI applications in the classroom can be educators delivering one lesson topic in varies ways, such as lecture, video, and articles to read and then discuss in a group setting. 

Module 5 - Ethics and educational technology; Introduction to universal design of instruction (UDI)

Unit 9- Ethics and Educational Technology 

Lin (2007) identifies ethical concerns that need to be addressed within technology instruction which include copyright, learner privacy, accessibility, diversity, conflicts of interest, and professionalism/confidence. In my opinion diversity needs to be at a top priority within educational technology.

Lin, H. (2007). The ethics of instructional technology: issues and coping strategies experienced by professional technologists in design and training situations in higher education. (Links to an external site.) Education Technology Research Development, 55, 411 – 437. 

Unit 10- Universal Design of Instruction

The goal of UDI is to create an learning atmosphere that is inclusive and is able to effectively reach all students with diverse needs. 

Here is a video providing a brief overview of UDI.

UDI explained

Module 2 - Technology and productivity: Technology as a system of administration

Unit 3- Technology and Productivity

Technology contributes to productivity by means of social order. For example I have access to my electronic records where my doctor posts my recent visits with my tests findings.  I do not have access to edit or add information only my doctor can but I can view it at an time.  This is a level of productivity and creating  social order where the doctor-professional is in charge of the electronic health record. 

Unit 4- Technology as a System of Administration 

Technology can be seen viewed as system of administration by creating order in the world examples are through communication and travel .  System of administration can be conscious or unconscious. System of administration influences many aspects of day to day life. System of administration highlights power disparity, however this does to need to be negative.  Power disparity serves a purpose in certain situations for example  limited access to items such as atomic bombs. 

Module 1 - Introduction to the Sociology of Technology & Understanding Technology Beyond Machines

Unit 1 - Introduction to the Sociology of Technology

Technology can be viewed as having an impact on a society through ways of being a political artifact. Winner (1980) in his article Do Artifacts have Politics? discusses the varies ways technology has had a political and social affect on citizens.  Winner (1980) makes a claim that Robert Moses constructed bridges at a certain height out in Long Island, NY to prohibit minorities from accessing the beaches of Long Island. Is this true or not? There is no way to know for certain however, his viewpoint shows the need to looks at technology through a critical perspective. 



Winner, L. (1980). Do Artifacts Have Politics? Daedalus, 109(1), 121 – 136. 

Unit 2- Understanding Technology Beyond Machines 

When we refer to technology the vast majority of us thinks of computers, smart phones, the internet and the like. However, technology goes beyond this.  Technology is comprised of  all the aspects that goes into developing technology and the final product,  including the system in which to build products and the logical reasoning in ways to develop the product, ie. the brain power.

Module 4 - The ethics of emerging technologies; Introduction to morality in education

Unit 7- The Ethics of Emerging Technologies

With the rapid rate of the development of technology there is a growing need to be vigilant in applying ethical guidelines to emerging technology. The delivery of mental health services is now able to offer non traditional delivery methods via telemental health and mental health apps.  With these new delivery methods there are new ethical considerations that need to be considered. Telemental health providers should complete additional trainings in order to ensure the best possible outcome for clients. In addition, mobile app developers should have an ethical responsibility to provide up to date, factual, and clinically sound interventions (Bakker, Kazantzis, Rickwood, & Rickard, 2018) to clients.

Bakker, D., Kazantzis, N., Rickwood, D. & Rickard, N. (2018). A randomized controlled trial of three smartphone apps for enhancing public mental health. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 109. 75-83.

Unit 8 - Introduction to Morality in Education 

Morality in education refers to educators being cognizant of a creating an environment that focuses on property, privacy, and accessibility ( Mason, 1986, cited in Lucey & Grant, 2009). This can be accomplished by educators teaching students to seek refutable sources, ensuring all students have equal access to technology, consider students socio-economic background, and creating a collaborative learning environment. 

Lucey, T.A. & Grant, M.M. (2009). Ethical issues in instructional technology: an exploratory framework. Multicultural Education & Technology Journal, 3(3), 196 – 212.