The War of Learning Sciences Aggression

In Virginia, a state that was split during the Civil War, depending on where you are from, the Civil War was known as "The War of Northern Aggression" if you were from the South, and "The War of the Rebellion" if you were from the North. Learning about the differences between Learning Sciences and Instructional Technology, I perceive a similar relationship. From the readings we discussed in class it seems that Instructional Technology seems to try to incorporate Learning Sciences as part of its study, while acknowledging the differences between the two areas of study. Experts from the field of Learning Science generally seem convinced that the Learning Sciences are different from Instructional Technology and therefore should be addressed and treated differently.

In the article I read (J. Michael Spector, Instructional Technology and the Learning Sciences: Multiple Communities and Political Realities), Spector, with a long background in Instructional Technology, addresses what he believes to be the main difference between Instructional Technology and the Learning Sciences: Instructional Technology focuses on instruction and helping the instructor, and the Learning Sciences focus on Learning and helping the learner. Spector still concludes that the two communities are similar enough to work together to achieve the same end.

Mr. Smith and Billy Bob, Continued

Mr. Smith: Good morning, Billy Bob. Today we are going to be learning about Instructional Technology.
Billy Bob: But Mr. Smith, where is your lab jacket?
Mr. Smith: Instructional Technology is not a Science. I do not need a jacket.
Billy Bob: Oh. Well, don't they both address how people teach and learn?
Mr. Smith: In a way, Billy Bob, in a way.
Billy Bob: Well then what makes them so different?
Mr. Smith: It depends on who you talk to. Some describe Instructional Technology as a "prescriptive" study, meaning that Instructional Technologists find a training or educational problem then seek to fix it using technology. On the other hand, some consider Learning Science to be a "descriptive" study, looking at learning situations and analyzing them.
Billy Bob: That certainly does seem like a subtle difference.
Mr. Smith: Well, that depends on who you talk to.
Billy Bob: What do you think, Mr. Smith?
Mr. Smith: I believe Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences are indeed different areas of study, though they can help each other reach the same goals, and therefore should both be considered in a study.
Billy Bob: Well, can't there be an answer? Something "yes" or "no" or "A"? This whole discussion seems very theoretical.
Mr. Smith: Well, that depends on who you talk to.
Billy Bob: Oh boy.
Mr. Smith: That's enough for today, Billy Bob. See you tomorrow.
Billy Bob: Thanks, Mr. Smith. Bye!