Educational technology, sometimes termed EdTech,
is the study and ethical practice of facilitating e-learning,
which is the learning and improving performance by creating, using and managing
appropriate technological processes and resources.[1]
The term educational technology is often associated with, and encompasses, instructional theory and learning theory. While instructional technology is
"the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management,
and evaluation of processes and resources for learning," according to the
Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) Definitions
and Terminology Committee,[2]
educational technology includes other systems used in the process of developing
human capability. Educational technology includes, but is not limited to,
software, hardware, as well as Internet applications, such as wikis and blogs,
and activities. But there is still debate on what these terms mean.[3]
Technology in education is most simply and
comfortably defined as an array of tools that might prove helpful in advancing
student learning and may be measured in how and why individuals behave.
Educational Technology relies on a broad definition of the word "technology."
Technology can refer to material objects of use to humanity, such as machines
or hardware, but it can also encompass broader themes, including systems,
methods of organization, and techniques. Some modern tools include but are not
limited to overhead projectors, laptop computers, and calculators. Newer tools
such as smartphones and games (both online and offline) are beginning to draw
serious attention for their learning potential. Media
psychology is the field of study that applies theories of human behavior to
educational technology.
Consider the Handbook of Human Performance
Technology.[4]
The word technology for the sister fields of Educational and Human Performance Technology means
"applied science." In other words, any valid and reliable process or
procedure that is derived from basic research using the "scientific
method" is considered a "technology." Educational or Human
Performance Technology may be based purely on algorithmic or heuristic
processes, but neither necessarily implies physical technology. The word
technology comes from the Greek "techne" which
means craft or art. Another word, "technique," with the same origin,
also may be used when considering the field Educational Technology. So
Educational Technology may be extended to include the techniques of the
educator.[citation needed]
A classic example of an Educational Psychology
text is Bloom's 1956 book, Taxonomy of Educational Objectives.[5]
Bloom's Taxonomy is helpful when designing learning
activities to keep in mind what is expected of—and what are the learning goals
for—learners. However, Bloom's work does not explicitly deal with educational
technology per se and is more concerned with pedagogical strategies.
According to some, an Educational Technologist is
someone who transforms basic educational and psychological research into an
evidence-based applied science (or a technology) of learning or instruction.
Educational Technologists typically have a graduate degree (Master's, Doctorate,
Ph.D., or D.Phil.) in a field related to educational psychology, educational
media, experimental psychology, cognitive psychology or, more purely, in the
fields of Educational, Instructional or Human Performance Technology or Instructional Systems Design.
But few of those listed below as theorists would ever use the term
"educational technologist" as a term to describe themselves,
preferring terms such as "educator."[citation needed]
The transformation of educational technology from a cottage industry to a
profession is discussed by Shurville, Browne, and Whitaker.
No comments:
Post a Comment