Instructional Systems Designs and the Learning Sciences

My journal article selection is titled "Instructional Systems Designs and the Learning Sciences: A Citation Analysis".   In the article, the three writers focus on the examination of the Instructional Systems Design community (ISD) and the Learning Sciences (LS) community and their relationship.  Rather than provide a research results discussion or question, the article provides an empirical citation analysis of both learning technologies.   This analysis is done through the actual literature produced by each of the two groups. 

The article first defines both ISD and LS through examination of their published literature.  ISD is more closely related to instructional models of learning where as LS is more closely related to information processing models.  It then notes how they are the same or how they overlap and how they may actually become integrated.  They are a like in that they both study educational technology which makes for a very broad relationship and both have large communities that support their study and philosophy.   Both also have literature outlets to share their information.  

As mentioned before, the analysis and relationships of the two communities was done through the literature produced by each.  The results indicated that each of the six publications (three from each community) represented their respective field well.   The analysis for each of these publications showed overlapping in nearly all citations.  However, only 66 0f the 2,608 unique writers actually published in both communities.  Further analysis showed that few people belong to both of the communities.  Both communities are aware of each although the reference to each others work in their own publications was very minimal.  The end result is that both communities exist very independent from each other.  And though they may not converge there would be a large benefit for them to link and speak to each other, as the article discusses.     

Both of these communities are relevant to my position as a School Library Media Specialist as they can help me to think about and understand theories and the other that can help me to design curriculum based on these theories. 

Reflection:  I found it rather difficult to find a good article that fit the “empirical research” definition.  Perhaps I was using the wrong search criteria or being too specific about my expectations.  The article I found was rather dry and somewhat hard to understand and put into a summary format.  Nonetheless, I did benefit from the activity. 

http://www.tophe.net/papers/Kirby-Hoadley-CarrChellman.pdf

Kirby, J (2005).Instructional Systems Design and the Learning Sciences: A Citation Analysis. Educational Technology Research and Development. 53, 37-48.