Definitions of IT:

At the foundation of IT is instructional design, the process of planning instruction. Instructional design seeks to answer three questions: Where are we going, how will we get there, and how will we know when we arrive? (Beattie, 1999). Instructional design is a process technology completely independent of any hardware or software.

http://www.gsu.edu/~mstswh/courses/it7000/papers/whatis.htm

"Instructional technology…. is the identification, generation, application,and evaluation of processes which create a purposeful, facilitating structure from available resources." Instructional Technology is a systematic way of designing, carrying out, and evaluating the total process of learning and teaching in terms of specific objectives, based on research….

http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Campus/7941/trmpprh.html

Instructional technology is the research in and application of behavioral science and learning theories and the use of a systems approach to analyze, design, develop, implement, evaluate and manage the use of technology to assist in the solving of learning or performance problems.

http://www.arches.uga.edu/~cutshall/tomitdef.html

Instructional Technology is a systematic way of designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating the processes of learning and teaching with specific objectives based on research in human learning and communication.

http://it.usu.edu/faqs.html#7

Additional IT resources:

Obviously, if you are familiar with Wikis, Wikipedia is not a new resource; however, this link provides a very accurate definition of IT, with insight into it's history, possible job opportunities, and a myriad of external links.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instructional_technology

This site provides an online copy of a research paper discussing IT, it's past, future, and possible implications. It is titled "A Differentiating Definition of Instructional Technology and Educational Technology." It was writen by Bruce W. Jones, May 4, 1999 at West Texas A&M University.

http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Campus/7941/trmpprh.html

The word technology is used by some to mean hardware – the devices that deliver information and serve as tools to accomplish a task – but those working in the field use technology to refer to a systematic process of solving problems by scientific means (Ely, 1999). Instruction is the process of imparting knowledge or teaching (Webster, 1989). Therefore, IT should refer to the use of technological processes for teaching and learning but I think there is still more.

http://www.gsu.edu/~mstswh/courses/it7000/papers/whatis.htm

This site provides an "Introduction to the Field: Instructional/Educational Technology" by outlining where, how and why it came about. It provides a great insight into the historical contenxt and evolution of IT.

http://chd.gse.gmu.edu/immersion/field.html

This site makes an solid effort into how IT is related to the other domains which are often associated with Instructional Technology. Some the areas it defines and relates are:

    * Educational Technology 
    * Instructional Systems 
    * Learning and Behavioral Theories 
    * Technology 
    * Purpose/Hope for the Future 

http://www.arches.uga.edu/~cutshall/itdefhome.html

AECT defintions of the IT field from Instructional Technology: The Domains and Defintions of the Field, by Rita Richey and Barbara Seels

http://www.ittheory.com/define.htm

This site is a great resouce for IT beginners, who wish to know more about this field. It provides 12 questions and answers to many of the common questions of IT. 1) What is Instructional Technology? 2) What can I do with a degree in Instructional Technologies? 3) Are there currently any jobs in this field? 4) What is the required computer proficiency I need to succeed in the program? 5) How many students are currently enrolled in the program? 6) Are there samples of student portfolios or work I can look at? 7) What are the program requirements and required courses? 8) How do I apply to the program? 9) How long does it take to graduate? 10) What are the steps to graduate? 11) What kind of Masters/Thesis projects do students have to complete? 12) Is there an Internship program? 13) Is there assistance with finding a job after graduation?

http://www.sfsu.edu/~itec/about/faqs.html

This link outlines some of the beliefs Lloyd Rieber, from the University of Georgia, Department of Instructional Technology shares concerning the "Proper Way to Become an Instructional Technologist."

http://it.coe.uga.edu/~lrieber/pdean/pdean.html

This web site is designed for educators who are interested in instructional technology. It provides you with resources to design effective instruction with technology. It intends to help you evaluate instruction with appropriate methodology.

http://www.qvctc.commnet.edu/people/itkiosk/itkiosk.html

This site is dedicated to "enhancing learning with technology" and provides a great overview of the educational theories and methodologies associated with IT.

http://members.shaw.ca/priscillatheroux/differentiating.html

Here are the former IPT 692 Wiki links concerning the field of IT:

http://ipt.byu.edu/~wiki/692/Group1F04/InstructionalTechnology

http://ipt.byu.edu/~wiki/692/Group1F04/InstructionalTechnology

IT Home