Warm Up  Please write a short response to the following questions:  What technology do we need to effectively educate?  What technology could we do without?

Educational Technology An Overview

What is Educational Technology?  In theory, any tool used in a classroom is a piece of technology  Pencils, blackboards, etc.  The term and concept really only dates to the past half-century with the coming of the “communication revolution.”  Radio, television, computers, etc.  Both tool and process – educational technology includes not only the devices we use for teach but also the methods we use to employ them in the classroom.

One Definition  “A combination of the processes and tools involved in addressing educational needs and problems, with an emphasis on applying the most current digital and information tools.”

Historical Perspectives  Thinking about what educational technology and how it should be used as changed over time  1. Media and Audiovisual (AV) – Slides and films were once seen as a more standardized, effective way of delivering information than traditional lecturing – technology could replace older ways of learning  2. Instructional Systems – Military and industrial instructors saw technology as a more efficient way to train people quickly, still using teachers. Sometimes called “educational problem solutions.”

Comprehension Questions  What would be an example of Perspective 1 (Media and AV) in practice? Perspective 2 (Instructional Technology)?  What are some potential drawbacks to these views of technology?

Historical Perspectives  3. Vocational Training – Knowing that technology was increasingly becoming part of the workforce, educators thought education should itself focus on teaching students how to use technology. Also called “technology education.”  4. Computer Systems – The particular power of computing applications could allow for innovations in types of instruction and curriculum. Also called “educational computing.”

Comprehension Questions  What would be an example of Perspective 3 (Vocational Technology)? Perspective 4 (Computer Systems)?  What are some potential limitations of these perspectives?  How do all four of these perspectives contribute today to an overall understanding of “educational technology?”

Overview of Current Educational Technologies  Most contemporary computing technology requires some combination of hardware and software  Hardware – physical equipment  Software – programs that determine how hardware behaves

Hardware  Microcomputers – desktop computers, laptops, and to some extent tablets. These are computing devices which are mobile to some extent but generally are used in place.  Handheld Technologies – cell phones, ebooks, “smart” pens. Technologies that are very mobile and improve location-independent communication.  Display technologies – projectors, but also wireless devices that allow for student responses to appear before the class.

More Hardware  Imaging Technologies – cameras and scanners. These technologies allow you to create visual images to use in the classroom.  Peripherals – keyboards, mice, printers, microphones. These are input and output technologies that allow you to enter information into a computer and then use it.  External Storage – drives that allow more information to be kept and made available.

Comprehension Questions  How could you use each of these types of hardware in the classroom?  Are some more useful than others?

Software  Instructional – tutorials, practice programs, and simulations. These are programs that are designed to teach concepts or skills to students in a manner that a normal teacher cannot.  Productivity – word processing, spreadsheets, databases, . These are technologies that improve efficiency of typical teacher and student tasks.  Administrative – student records, payroll systems. These are technologies not directly related to teaching that allow the school system itself to function more efficiently.

Comprehension Questions  What are some examples of each of these three types of software?  Which do you use in your educational life?  Which are most essential to a good educational experience?