Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to deliver a historical framework as it relates to Learning Technologies so to provide foundational knowledge for its evidential and continuing growth. According to Aluto (2006), teaching is a purposeful act whose aim is to provide understanding to the learner. This viewpoint is one I share and one that crosses the technological threshold in terms of reaching students. As such, the advance in technology has allowed the proverbial lecturing professor to focus on instructional design thus creating a user-friendly environment for the learner. In this type of technological environment, the instructor assumes the position of being a guiding hand and promoter of critical thought while supporting students in deciphering a truth from a falsehood. In writing this paper, my hopes are fourfold: 1) Provide supporting evidence as it relates to the instructor’s role, 2) offer examples of what other higher educational institutions are doing in terms of educating with technology, 3) showcase the applicable alternatives to traditional learning, and 4) provide speculation on the future of learning technologies. It is my belief that if we can understand our initial formation and present atmosphere, then we should have a sense of forecast concerning our future. If successful in my purpose, then both reader and writer should come away with a better understanding of the higher educational environment and its relationship with technology.

Keywords:

Technology, instructional design, education, learning, historical, instructor.