To address the question of how technology can or should be used to assist education, we first must clarify what we mean by education. When I began homeschooling, I determined that my definition of education was facilitating “the ability to seek out information independently”. That would necessitate all forms of communication, mathematics, and an understanding of the world we live in. Over the next 20 years, I referred to this definition as my main source of guidance.

Today, as I expand my horizons to build instructional designs that will facilitate learning for a broader audience, I believe that any tool, tactic, or technique should only be used if it enhances the learning experience.

Does this element increase the likelihood that the student will “get it”?

We need to reflect on the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our society as a whole. While distance learning enabled us to continue delivering education, it also proved to be ineffective in many instances. However, every aspect of modern life is dominated by technology, and most of us embrace it.

As educators and facilitators of blended learning, we need to deeply consider how the instructions we create will be used and to what extent they provide the greatest advantage to students. When constructing content, design, and method of delivery, we must keep our intended learning outcomes in focus.