EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Educational technology is the effective use of technological tools in learning. As a concept, it concerns an array of tools, such as media, machines and networking hardware, as well as considering theoretical perspectives for their effective application.
Educational technology is not restricted to high technology. Nonetheless, electronic educational technology has become an important part of society today. Modern educational technology includes (and is broadly synonymous with) e-learning, instructional technology, information and communication technology (ICT) in education, EdTech, learning technology, multimedia learning, technology-enhanced learning (TEL), computer-based instruction (CBI), computer managed instruction, computer-based training (CBT), computer-assisted instruction or computer-aided instruction (CAI), internet-based training (IBT), flexible learning, web-based training (WBT), online education, virtual education, personal learning environments, networked learning, virtual learning environments (VLE) (which are also called learning platforms), m-learning, and digital education. These labels have been variously used and understood, and conflate to the broad domain of educational technology and e-learning. These alternative descriptive terms are all more restrictive than "educational technology" in that they individually emphasize a particular digitization approach, component or delivery method. For example, m-learning emphasizes mobility, but is otherwise indistinguishable in principle from educational technology.
Theoretical perspectives and scientific testing may influence instructional design. The application of theories of human behavior to educational technology derives input from instructional theory, learning theory, educational psychology, media psychology and human performance technology.
Educational technology includes numerous types of media that deliver text, audio, images, animation, and streaming video, and includes technology applications and processes such as audio or video tape, satellite TV, CD-ROM, and computer-based learning, as well as local intranet/extranet and web-based learning. Information and communication systems , whether free-standing or based on either local networks or the Internet in networked learning , underlie many e-learning processes.
Educational technology and e-learning can occur in or out of the classrooom. It can be self-paced,asynchronous learning or may be instructor-led,synchronous learning . It is suited to distance learning and in conjunction with face-to-face teaching, which is termedble blended learning. Educational technology is used by learners and educators in homes, schools (both K-12 and higher education), businesses, and other settings.
MEDIA
Educational media and tools can be used for:
- task structuring support: help with how to do a task (procedures and processes),
- access to knowledge bases (help user find information needed)
- alternate forms of knowledge representation (multiple representations of knowledge, e.g. video, audio, text, image, data)
Numerous types of physical technology are currently used: digital cameras, video cameras, interactive whiteboard tools, document cameras, electronic media, and LCD projectors. Combinations of these techniques include blogs, collaborative software, ePortfolios,and virtual classrooms.
Audio and video
Computers, tablets and mobile devices
Social networks
Webcams
Whiteboards
Screencasting
Virtual classroom
I
BENEFITS-
Benefits of incorporating technology into learning may include:
- Improved open access to education, including access to full degree programs.
- Better integration for non-full-time students, particularly in continuing education.
- Improved interactions between students and instructors.
- Provision of tools to enable students to independently solve problems.
- Acquisition of technological skills through practice with tools and computers.
- No age-based restrictions on difficulty level, i.e. students can go at their own pace.
- Defray travel costs .
- Easy-to-access course materials . Course material on a website allows learners to engage in asynchronous learning and study at a time and location they prefer and to obtain the study material very quickly.
- Student motivation.
