Gerlach & Ely educational design model Donald Paul Ely 1930 – present An American researcher and educational leader, ―recognized as No.2 among individuals considered most influential within the field of educational media.‖ (Li & Reeves, 2007). Dr. Ely received his Ph.D in 1961 and taught and worked at Syracuse University in New York until he retired in 1995. Dr. Ely’s research and numerous publications focused on three areas: ―the philosophy underlying the field of Educational Technology, (b) definition, development and trends of the field, and (c) conditions that facilitate the implementation of educational technology innovations.‖ (Li & Reeves, 2007).