Educational technology is a process…
The 2008 Association for Educational Communications and Technology definition describes educational technology as a practice, not a tool (Hylnka & Jacobsen, 2009). This is an important distinction. Educational technology involves more than devices, programs or websites available for instructional purposes. The use of technology in education is a process of continual learning and change, not only of the design and implementation of instruction, but also of the core values instructors hold about teaching and learning. Unlike a device or set of tools, using educational technology is an ongoing process, changing and evolving as technology continually evolves. Therefore, my definition begins by identifying educational technology as a process.
Educational technology is a process of merging technology resources, content knowledge, and pedagogical practices…
According to Kereluik, Koehler, and Mishra (2009) “educational technologies exist in the interplay between pedagogical knowledge, content knowledge, and technology knowledge” (p. 51). In other words, knowing how to teach, knowing one’s content area, and knowing how to use technology resources are equally important when considering educational technology. The choice and use of technology in the classroom should be aligned with desired learning outcomes and designed using research-based teaching practices in order to positively impact learners.
Technology resources for educators are nearly limitless. A quick Google search leads one to sites such as Technology Tools: Tools You Can Use, created by Education World (2015). This site offers links to articles about technology, as well as to sites where a variety of educational devices are described and programs can be downloaded. The technology resources available at this one site is overwhelming, and there are plenty more. Therefore, the phrase “technology resources” is purposely vague, so that the definition will include future as well as current technologies.
Educational technology is a process of merging technology resources, content knowledge, and pedagogical practices with the intent of improving student learning.
The purpose stated in this definition is similar to the 2008 AECT definition of educational technology, which defines the purpose of educational technology as “facilitating learning and improving performance” (Kereluik, et al., p. 48). Aziz (2015) asserts that there is no point in usng new technology if student outcomes do not improve. Considering the amount of time and effort necessary to evaluate, choose, and implement educational technology resources, Aziz has a valid point. Although student success cannot be guaranteed, the intent of instructional design integrating educational technology should always be to improve learning.
The definition of educational technology proposed by this paper is built upon an understanding that educational technology is more than hardware, software, programs, or devices. Educational technology is a blending of understandings: knowledge of teaching methods, knowledge of content, and knowledge of technology resources. Further, the use of educational technology in the classroom must be carefully planned to foster improved student learning.
Educational technology is a process of merging technology resources, content knowledge, and pedagogical practices with the intent of improving student learning.
References
Aziz, H. (2010, September 16). The 5 Keys to Educational Technology — THE Journal.
Retrieved September 11, 2015, from http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/09/16/the-5
-keys-to-educational-technology.aspx
Education World. Technology Tools: Tools You Can Use. Education World, Inc. 2015
Retrieved from: http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/archives/tools.shtml
Hylnka, D., Jacobsen, M. (2009). What is educational technology, anyway? A commentary on the new AECT definition of the field. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, 35(2). Retrieved from: http://www.cjlt.ca/index.php/cjlt/article/view/527/260
Kereluik, K., Koehler, M., and Mishra, P. (2009). The Song Remains the Same: Looking Back to the Future of Educational Technology. TechTrends, 53(5), 48-53. Retrieved from:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB4QFjAAahUKEwiDwO_tgfDHAhVHyj4KHcHxAxI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpunya.educ.msu.edu%2Fpublications%2FMishra-Koehler-Kereluik-techtrends09.pdf&usg=AFQjCNEhnaPRxsbI8Pds4utwUquJR19V7g