What is Educational Technology? 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, sewing machines, lathes Educational Technology is a discipline It 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 literacy The move from shop to CAD and Robotics ILS Technology Integration NETS 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 don’t build technology curriculum Possible doesn’t mean desirable It is hard for teachers to keep up Old technology can still work Teachers will always be important

Why use technology? Because it solves a problem Which one is better: Many solutions for problems you don’t have Which one is better: Teacher vs. video Video vs. Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) CAI vs. The Internet Consider some reasons…

Reason one: Motivation Gaining attention Visual and interactive features Engagement through production work Promotes creativity, self-expression and esteem Increased learner control Students may be more motivated by feeling they are in control of their learning/special implications for at-risk 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 Integration”ppt., Dr. Marshall Jones