What Field Are We In???

What Field Are We In is a perfect way to introduce us to this profession and course. At first all the labels and definitions were a bit overwhelming, but once I caught my breath and mulled it over a while I found it refreshing that this profession is anything but stagnant. It has been evolving from 1910  and continues to grow at a rapid pace.
In 1920 it began with The Visual Instructional Movement, introducing films, pictures and lantern slides in schools. (And to think that "technology" didn't really get started until the last fifty years shows my ignorance!) It moved to the first textbook that offered maps, charts, pictures and slides. Moving from Visual to the Audio Visual Instruction in the 1920-1940 when sound was introduced through the radio and motion pictures with sound.
By the 1950's we move into the television age and through the 50's this field was called Instructional Technology and focused most of their attention on instructional media. In the 60's and 70's, instead of just instructional media, it is now viewed as a process. Finn and Lunsdaine both agree this is a process and not just a product that is presented. It is much more than that, it is a series of steps: planning, production, selection, utilization and management. Instruct all types, it encompasses all of these steps. This is not a one size fits all type of learning or teaching. (And to think it took until the 60's to realize there is more to instruction than just presenting or lecturing!)
By the 90's our world is influenced by computers and internet. Technology is constantly changing and so is our field. Technology is influencing not only our work and school but in every facet of our life. In 1994, 5 Domains emerge: Design, Development, Utilization, Management, and Evaluation. The emphasis is placed on the learner than the instructor. The learner wants/needs to learn and the instructor is the guide to get you down that path. As a instructor  we need to be on top of our game to be able to guide the young minds that are born into the internet, instagrams, skyping, and streaming world all before the leave the house in the morning. We need to create new lessons, implement them, evaluate and manage the ever changing technology world.
The latest definition from the AECT in 2008 highlights three key terms: Ethical, Facilitate Learning, and Improve Performance by applying new skills and knowledge. All the definitions overlap to continue to improve and expand the description of the Instructional Design and Technology field.
The textbook definition focuses on human performance through instructional methods and non instructional methods meaning enhance the lighting in the office, adjust the height and desk/computer heights, or fix the computer glare to improve work performance.

If I were to write my own definition it would be:
Revise and Rewrite instructional methods to enhance the workplace through collaborative learning, visual and technology devices that frequently use update resources to stay current with the latest technology.

Overall, we need to worry less about the label and definitions and concentrate more on the practices and issues in the field.

I realize that being a professional in this field, I will constantly be learning and evolving to be a better instructor and guide through this process. As a teacher for 12 years, I have learned many new techniques and see the importance of keeping up with the times to reach my students. We have to get out of our comfort zone and tread into new territory. That must be our new "comfort". Our territory is only here for a season before it changes. I'm excited to know that my future will not be boring, nor be the same mundane task year after year.