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What are two reasons for taking a historical perspective of instructional technology?

Apart from an interest in training and education per se, there are at least two reasons why a historical perspective is essential to understanding instructional technology.  First, new technologies must compete with the old and prove superior cost efficiency or learning facilitation.  Accountability is the touchstone of the science of instructional technology; rigorous empiricism is the teacher's sole defense against faddism.

History can also guide the future development of instructional technology.  The opposition of many educators to teaching machines during the 1950s is particularly relevant today.  Antagonism toward the teaching machine movement was largely due to the misperception that the purpose of these devices was to replace classroom instructors.

The experiences of the teaching machine movement remind us that creating instructionally efficient media is not enough.  Instructional technologists must insure that traditionally trained educators view the new media as enhancing and not threatening their careers.  Educational history is replete with lessons that can help direct the growth of instructional technology.  It is much easier to know where you should go, if you know where you have been.
 
 
 

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