The Application of Technology in Instructional Design Page 1
The Application of Technology in Instructional Design
Katie Sapaugh
School of Education, Liberty University
Author Note
Katie Sapaugh
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Katie
Sapaugh. Email: ksapaugh@liberty.edu.
The Application of Technology in Instructional Design Page 2
Abstract
As instructional designers, they find the best methods that help integrate technology in the
classroom for instruction as well as non-instruction. Fortunately, that is becoming an easier task
due to the influx of technology in the educational setting. Technology also has grown in
everyday life for individuals, which makes access to resources easier. To best implement
technology properly the instructional designer must look at the needs within their classroom.
Once they have the data, they need they can ensure they have the correct resources in their
classroom.
The Application of Technology in Instructional Design Page 3
Any technology that is incorporated into the classroom should be centered around the
learner and their learning style. When the students can relate to the material and the technology
this can increase motivation and retention of the material. Technology used in the classroom
should take on inquiry-based learning, is a supporter if personalized learning and is engaging for
students through methods such as games or design spaces (Reiser & Dempsey, 2018). When
looking at what technology to implement in the classroom the instructional designer should
ensure that it supports the learning material and serves as a resourceful purpose. Students’
participation and motivation in the classroom will improve when they are able to relate to the
material and this will also show for a higher retention rate of the material for future testing. The
instructional designer needs to incorporate technology that meets the needs of their students.
They are responsible for gathering data on their students and seeing where they may be
struggling. They need to identify special needs within their classroom and know how the best
revise their teaching methods or bring in a technology resource to help (Kale et al., 2020). Once
they have this data, they can properly assess the situation and know what technology will be of
the best benefit the student based on specific needs or capabilities of the student (Phoong et al.,
2019). When making these choices the Instructional Designer is sure to choose the technology
that will not only relate the best with the student but also one that will enhance the learning
experience for the students. (Reisner & Dempsey, 2018). As mentioned before, once the student
can understand, retain, and relate to the material in an easier way then the educator will see an
increase in motivation, willingness, and test results. There are so many resources available to the
educator, this allows them to perfectly match their students with a resource that will specifically
help them. That also allows the educator time to see if their teaching methods need any
adjustments. Unfortunately, this can change from year to year for educators. This can be due to
The Application of Technology in Instructional Design Page 4
the difference in students within the classroom, or just the increase in technology being used in
the classroom. The introduction of the internet in the classroom has left students with different
preferences on how they learn (Harman, et, al., 2019). Students can often become dependent on
technology and not want to learn traditionally, or they have difficulty picking up certain concepts
without the use of the technology, therefore, the educator may need to adjust their teaching
methods accordingly. The educator must also keep in mind that due to this very concern; they
need to ensure that any technology that is incorporated serves its purpose. (Hartman et. al.,
2019). Any technology should enhance students’ learning experience and allow them to connect
to the material more in a way that they can retain the information better. Just because an educator
incorporates the technology doesn’t mean that it enhances their teaching, they need to be
constantly reviewing methods and seeing how they can improve their instruction as well.
Technology challenges how educators think about their instruction as well and can leave them
feeling lost on ways to implement the right technology that can help their students (Maloy et. al.,
2021). The selection of available technology is only growing each year, therefore, the need to
select the best option can get difficult, but also allows for more opportunities for students to find
what they need to best help them. Today’s classroom not only sees growth in technology, but also
has seen growth in diversity, learning styles as well as different cultures (Gargiulo & Metcalf,
2023). This is an amazing thing for education and allows for not only learning from the educator,
but the students can learn from one another and about other cultures. It will teach them that it is
ok to be different, and more accepting of others around them later in life. The growth of
technology also helps in this area and the options available to educators are wide and they can
reach all their students no matter their background. Technology is a vital inclusive part of the
The Application of Technology in Instructional Design Page 5
classroom in today’s world. It is only growing, and the job of the instructional designer is
becoming in-depth and gives them an opportunity to enhance students learning journey and lives.
The Application of Technology in Instructional Design Page 6
References
Gargiulo, R.M., & Metcalf, D. (2023). Teaching in Today’s Inclusive Classrooms: A Universal
Design for Learning Approach (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Hartman, R.J., Townsend, M.B., & Jackson, M. (2019). Educators’ perceptions of technology
integration into the classroom: a descriptive case study. Journal of Research in Innovative
Teaching & Learning, 12(3), 236–249. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIT-03-2019- 0044
Maloy, R., Verock, R.-E., Edwards, S., & Trust, T. (2021). Transforming Learning with New
Technologies. Pearson Education, Inc. (4th ed). https://plus.pearson.com/home
Phoong, S.Y., Phoong, S.W., Moghavvemi, S., & Sulaiman, A. (2019). Effect of Smart
Classroom on Student Achievement at Higher Education. Journal of Educational
Technology Systems, 48(2), 291–304. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047239519870721
Reiser, R.A., & Dempsey, J.V. (2018). Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology
(4th ed.). Pearson Education Inc.
Sterner, Emily (2023) The Application of Technology in Instructional Design
