Understanding educational technology Nature, Scope

Transcript:Understanding educational technology Nature, Scope:
Understanding educational technology Nature, Scope and Characteristics Definition of Educational Technology Educational technology is a broad field that encompasses practically all academic disciplines. Educational technology is understood and discussed in different perspectives; hence, it is difficult to define. Definition of Educational Technology In 1977, the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) created a Task Force on Definition and Terminology with the primary function of providing structure and directions on the application of technology in education. Definition of Educational Technology AECT in 2004 came up with their revised definition of educational technology. It states that “educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources” (AECT, 2004). Other Definitions of Educational Technology Educational technology is the implementation of appropriate tools, techniques, or processes that facilitate the application of senses, memory, and cognition to enhance teaching practices and improve learning outcomes (Aziz, 2010). Other Definitions of Educational Technology Educational technology is based on theoretical knowledge from different disciplines (communication, psychology, sociology, philosophy, artificial intelligence, computer science, etc.) plus experiential knowledge from educational practice (Deschryver, as cited in Educational Technology, n.d.). Other Definitions of Educational Technology Educational technology is a complex, integrated process involving people, procedures, ideas, devices, and organization, for analyzing problems, and devising, implementing, evaluating and managing solutions to those problems, involved in all aspects of human learning (Educational Technology, n.d.). Other Definitions of Educational Technology It is viewed as a process because it involves the systematic integration of technologies and their interrelationships, into a complex, integrated process to analyze problems and create new solutions. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, a process is a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes or series of actions that lead toward a particular result (Process, n.d.). Other Definitions of Educational Technology Educational technology is also a profession in the context of educational practices. Professionals in this field meet the academic criteria and subscribe to the ethical standards of the profession. These professionals are called “educational technologists’’. Instructional Technology Is instructional technology the same with educational technology? These two terms are interchangeably used by practitioners in the field. According to Seels and Richey, (1994), instructional technology is the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning. Instructional Technology It is a discipline devoted to techniques, approaches, or ways to make learning more efficient based