What is Educational

Technology?

EDUC 275
Dr. Marshall G. Jones
Lisa Harris, Suzanne Sprouse

Definition
Seamless use of technology tools into a
purposeful, participatory instructional or
learning environment
Good Example:
Using

the Internet to research projects

Bad Example:
Letting

students play educational

games if they finish their work early

Educational Technology;
Technology in Education
Technology

in education refers only to the

use of devices that may be used in the
classroom.
Computers,

Educational
It

sewing machines, lathes

Technology is a discipline

has a theoretical foundation

It has guiding principles

A Brief & Sketchy History of

Technology in the Classroom

Edison

& Film

Radio
Educational

TV
CBT; CAI; IVD
Online Learning
Bottom

Line: Processes & Tools

Perspectives in Educational
Technology
Media

& AV Communication
Technology in Education
Computers and Computer Systems
Instructional Systems

Media & AV Communication

Technology as media
TV, projected

images, bulletin boards

The

design of messages that control the

learning process
How

to put together media products that promote

learning

Technology in Education
Students

need to learn about technology

Computer

The

literacy

move from shop to CAD and Robotics

ILS
Technology
NETS

Integration

Standards

Computers and Computer Systems

Evolved

as computers

did
Initially very complex
and done by
programmers
Becoming easier to
do and taken on by
mere mortals

Instructional Systems
Combines

the teacher and media into an

educational system
3 Principles of a system
Highly dependent on learning theories
Behavioralist
Cognitive

What you need to know about

perspectives
What

they are and a description of them

They color your definition and perspective
of Educational Technology
I want you to think of Educational
Technology as processes and tools

What have we learned from the

past
Technology

is not a panacea
Computer literacy insufficient
Teachers dont build technology curriculum
Possible doesnt mean desirable
It is hard for teachers to keep up
Old technology can still work
Teachers will always be important

Why use technology?

Because
Many

Which

it solves a problem

solutions for problems you dont have

one is better:

Teacher

vs. video
Video vs. Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI)
CAI vs. The Internet
Consider

some reasons

Reason one: Motivation

Gaining
Visual

attention
and interactive features

Engagement
Promotes

Increased
Students

through production work

creativity, self-expression and esteem

learner control

may be more motivated by feeling they are

in control of their learning/special implications for atrisk students (intrinsic motivation)

Reason two: Unique capabilities

Linking:
Learners

to information
Learners to classes at a distance
Learners to learning tools
Tracking

learner progress
Helping students visualize problems and
solutions

Reason 3: Instructional Approaches

Cooperative

learning
Active learning
Engaged learning
Problem solving
Teaching

basic skills in
the context of higher
order skills

Reason 4: Required skills in an

information age
Technology

literacy
Information literacy
Visual literacy

Reason 5: Increased Teacher

Productivity
Help

teachers cope with their ever-expanding

paperwork load resulting in higher productivity
Resources
Word

processing
Spreadsheet
Database
Desktop publishing
Test generating software
E-mail and websites
Online research

Reason 6: Supports framework for

Universal Design for Learning
The key to helping all students achieve is identifying and
removing barriers from our teaching methods and
curriculum materials. Drawing from brain research and
using new media, the UDL framework proposes that
educators strive for three kinds of flexibility:
To represent information in multiple formats and media.
To provide multiple pathways for students action and
expression.
To provide multiple ways to engage students interest
and motivation.
Learn more about UDL at: www.cast.org

Resources
Integrating

Educational Technology into

Teaching, M.D. Roblyer
http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/
ideas/tes/chapter4.cfm
Relating Theory to Practice: Technology
Integrationppt., Dr. Marshall Jones