Instructional Development: A Conceptual Approach.

The collaborative consultancy role proposed for the educational technologist requires moving beyond the linear model of the systematic approach. Instructional developers need to operate on the conceptual level, to see themselves as problem solvers within a dynamic system in which there are no straight paths, but instead, many paths and many solutions. The new role requires them to enter the instructional process at the planning level, not at the development level. Above all, it requires instructional developers to work well with other people, and to be able to establish and maintain good relationships. Those who aspire to such a role must be both leaders and followers, speakers and listeners, learners and experts, and information-givers and information-seekers. (17 references) (GL)