Publications
A Process for the Critical Analysis of Instructional Theory
Technology Research and Development
September 2014
Bostwick, J. A., Calvert, I. W., Francis, J., Hawkley, M., Henrie, C. R., Hyatt, F. R., Juncker, J., Gibbons, A. S. (2014). A Process for the Critical Analysis of Instructional Theory. Educational Technology Research and Development. 62(4).
An ontology-building process is effective for interpreting, analyzing, and comparing ID theories and methods. Looking at theories through the framework of an immanent ontology allows the reader to discern ontological categories in various theories. This process provides the following insights:
1. Broader concepts exist beyond specific theoretical terminology.
2. Concealed divergences lurk behind common terms used by different theorists.
3. A false sense of understanding often arises from a cursory reading of theories.
4. Ontological concepts enable a more detailed comparison of theories.
5. Discontinuities and gaps are revealed within the theoretical literature.
Instructional Design for Project Management
I co-authored, edited and formatted the second edition (published 12/2012) of this open education textbook. https://pm4id.pressbooks.com/
Analysis of Performance Improvement Quarterly, 2001-2010.
Educational Technology
Mayer, Alisha Rasmussen; Francis, Jenifer; Harrison, J. Buckley; McPhillen, Ammon S.; West, Richard E.
Educational Technology, v52 n5 p34-38 Sep-Oct 2012
I was a contributing researcher, co-author and the editor of the article.
Abstract: This article is an analysis of Performance Improvement Quarterly (PIQ) for the years 2001–2010. The intent was to examine the article types used, the authors who have contributed the most to the journal, the topics the journal most commonly focuses on, and the citation frequency of the journal’s articles. PIQ is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes research articles, editorials and book reviews. The primary article type is conceptual/theoretical, with an increasing emphasis on inferential articles. The top cited articles reveal the readerships' interest in articles with an emphasis in leadership and design.
Technology Research and Development
September 2014
Bostwick, J. A., Calvert, I. W., Francis, J., Hawkley, M., Henrie, C. R., Hyatt, F. R., Juncker, J., Gibbons, A. S. (2014). A Process for the Critical Analysis of Instructional Theory. Educational Technology Research and Development. 62(4).
An ontology-building process is effective for interpreting, analyzing, and comparing ID theories and methods. Looking at theories through the framework of an immanent ontology allows the reader to discern ontological categories in various theories. This process provides the following insights:
1. Broader concepts exist beyond specific theoretical terminology.
2. Concealed divergences lurk behind common terms used by different theorists.
3. A false sense of understanding often arises from a cursory reading of theories.
4. Ontological concepts enable a more detailed comparison of theories.
5. Discontinuities and gaps are revealed within the theoretical literature.
Instructional Design for Project Management
I co-authored, edited and formatted the second edition (published 12/2012) of this open education textbook. https://pm4id.pressbooks.com/
Analysis of Performance Improvement Quarterly, 2001-2010.
Educational Technology
Mayer, Alisha Rasmussen; Francis, Jenifer; Harrison, J. Buckley; McPhillen, Ammon S.; West, Richard E.
Educational Technology, v52 n5 p34-38 Sep-Oct 2012
I was a contributing researcher, co-author and the editor of the article.
Abstract: This article is an analysis of Performance Improvement Quarterly (PIQ) for the years 2001–2010. The intent was to examine the article types used, the authors who have contributed the most to the journal, the topics the journal most commonly focuses on, and the citation frequency of the journal’s articles. PIQ is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes research articles, editorials and book reviews. The primary article type is conceptual/theoretical, with an increasing emphasis on inferential articles. The top cited articles reveal the readerships' interest in articles with an emphasis in leadership and design.
Research Ideas
In the Evolution of Instructional Design, Are We Actually Regressing?
The Instructional Design field has evolved over the last century--moving from a media-focused discipline of relaying information toward a process of designing instruction to better meet learners’ needs and increase their capacity for innovation. During this evolution process, it was discovered that people were not applying their newfound knowledge. While the need to improve performance is not under question, the author fears that the behaviorist methods currently used to improve performance (i.e. if you "work harder" we will pay you more) are counterproductive to the goal of promoting higher-order thinking. Our field must pursue and promote other methods.
Organizational Motivation
Training the trainer in improving interpersonal relations, communicating effectively, showing respect and providing autonomy should be elements addressed in instructional design. Even in more task-driven behaviors, people will have different motivators than money. From “It’s Your Ship” by D. Michael Abrashoff (2002, p. 13) – the top reason for leaving their job was that they felt they were not being treated with respect or dignity, second was being prevented from making an impact on the organization, third was not being listened to, fourth was not being rewarded with more responsibility, and fifth was low pay. The top 3 factors are things that an instructor/leader has control over in their operations.
Can other design fields' principles be applied to Instructional Design?
Graphic design
Interior design
Engineering/Architecture
The Instructional Design field has evolved over the last century--moving from a media-focused discipline of relaying information toward a process of designing instruction to better meet learners’ needs and increase their capacity for innovation. During this evolution process, it was discovered that people were not applying their newfound knowledge. While the need to improve performance is not under question, the author fears that the behaviorist methods currently used to improve performance (i.e. if you "work harder" we will pay you more) are counterproductive to the goal of promoting higher-order thinking. Our field must pursue and promote other methods.
Organizational Motivation
Training the trainer in improving interpersonal relations, communicating effectively, showing respect and providing autonomy should be elements addressed in instructional design. Even in more task-driven behaviors, people will have different motivators than money. From “It’s Your Ship” by D. Michael Abrashoff (2002, p. 13) – the top reason for leaving their job was that they felt they were not being treated with respect or dignity, second was being prevented from making an impact on the organization, third was not being listened to, fourth was not being rewarded with more responsibility, and fifth was low pay. The top 3 factors are things that an instructor/leader has control over in their operations.
Can other design fields' principles be applied to Instructional Design?
Graphic design
Interior design
Engineering/Architecture