Future of Instructional Technology

  • Despite significant increases in online training and teaching, face to face classroom instruction is not declining. This indicates a trend in online teaching formats acting as a supplement to instruction rather than a replacement.
  • Printed materials traditionally used in the classroom are not experiencing a decline in popularity.
  • Telecommuting and media such as video conferencing or streaming is used primarily for military or large corporate communications with a widely distributed audience.
  • Training for computer-based environments is growing but not at the anticipated rate.
  • Decline in e-learning applications may be the result of resistance by the trainees and not by the institutions conducting the training.

Molenda, M. & Sullivan, M. (2003). Issues and Trends in Instructional Technology: Treading Water. Educational Media and Technology Yearbook 2003. Vol. 28. (Eds. Fitzgerald, M. A., Orey, M., & Branch, R. M.). Libraries Unlimited. Westport, CN.