IDT Written Qualification Exam Questions (Spring 2013)
Below are the questions for the exam. Answer as thoroughly as possible within the allotted time.
Please refer to the file labeled IDT Qualifying Exam Instructions (Spring, 2013) for further
instructions.
1. Orrill, Hannafin, and Glazer (2004) organize emerging technology research along three
facets: foundation research, application research, and theory-building research. Describe
these three forms of research by comparing their goals, research questions,
methodologies, and target audiences. In your response, provide an example of each form
of research.
2. Richard Clark (1983) has presented a well-known argument that states, “media are mere
vehicles that deliver instruction but do not influence student achievement any more than
the truck that delivers our groceries changes our nutrition.” Robert Kozma has been at the
forefront of the response to those, such as Richard Clark, who would minimize the role of
media in teaching/learning and eliminate “media comparison” research. Based on your
readings and own experiences, what is your opinion of media comparison studies? Are
they ever useful? If so, under what conditions? Provide specific examples to back up
your claims.
3. What is your definition of learning? Taking that definition, explain in detail how this will
guide your studies, your view of research, and plans for practice in instructional design
and technology.
4. You read several articles and book chapters that describe how people learn. Merrill has
attempted to synthesize various perspectives on learning and instruction into “First
Principles of Instruction” that states:
“Effective learning is problem-based and involves four phases of instruction:
activating existing relevant knowledge, demonstrating the knowledge and skill to
the learner, providing opportunity for the learner to apply the new knowledge and
skill, and providing opportunity for the learner to integrate this new knowledge
and skill into their everyday life” (Merrill, p. 459).
Reflecting on all of your qualifying readings, describe how are Merrill’s “First
Principles” are similar to and different from the perspectives of other learning and
instructional theorists.