Abstract
A name for the field of instructional technology has long been debated. Terms such as learning design, educational technology, instructional systems design and learning systems have been used to describe the field over the past 100 years. With an exploration of the history of the field, this article rebrands the field as Knowledge Systems Design (KSD). Whether it is a knowledge of skills or concepts, knowledge is the end goal of all instruction. Systems are the processes through which knowledge is transferred to the learner. The learning processes necessary for knowledge creation must be carefully designed. Together, these three terms provide a description for an ever-changing field that transcends time and fully encompasses the transfer of knowledge in any setting.
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Author Biographical Information
Arlene Ramirez is a Hospitality Industry Finance Professional who brings over 20 years of professional experience to the classroom at the C.N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston. In 2019 Arlene founded Ascend, which focuses on curriculum development, delivering online learning, and certification programs designed to address opportunities for professional growth within organizations. She is currently a doctoral candidate in the Instructional Systems Design and Technology program at Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, USA.
Kimberly N. LaPrairie, Ph.D., is the Director of the Instructional Systems Design and Technology doctoral program at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, USA. She has over 20 years of education experience focusing on technology integration to improve educational and training systems in organizational settings, instructor effectiveness, and content accessibility.
Waneta Hebert is an instructional designer and adjunct lecturer at the University of Houston. She started her career as a public-school English teacher before transitioning to higher education. With experience on all sides of instruction – as the student, the instructor, and the designer– Waneta is an expert in course design and instructional technology in K12 through higher education. She is a doctoral candidate in the Instructional Systems Design and Technology program at Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, USA.
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Ramirez, A., LaPrairie, K.N. & Hebert, W. Knowledge Systems Design (KSD): Rebranding the Field of Instructional Technology in the Education and Professional Development Community. TechTrends 67, 803–812 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-023-00870-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-023-00870-w