An Overview of Educational Technology

Educational technology is a field of study that investigates the process of analyzing,

designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating the instructional environment and learning
materials in order to improve teaching and learning. It is important to keep in mind that the
purpose of educational technology (also referred to as instructional technology) is to improve
education. We must define the goals and needs of education first and then we use all our
knowledge, including technology, to design the most effective learning environment for students.
The learning materials today have greatly expanded because of the various
technological advances. Instructional materials include more conventional materials, such as
the blackboard, overhead projectors, televisions, as well as newer materials, such as the
computer, various software applications, digital cameras, scanners, the Internet, audio and
video conferencing, artificial intelligence, and so on.
Teachers need to understand what types of materials are available, how to use them,
why they should be used, when they should be used, and how to integrate them into the
teaching/learning environment in order to meet the ultimate goal of improving education.
Teachers also need to seriously consider how these newer materials can affect what and how
we learn and teach.

The Different Areas of Technology for Teaching and Learning

Using technology to enhance learning is an incredibly exciting idea, as education is

growing fast. Blended learning, mobile learning, and other increasingly popular ideas all owe
their existence to technology. There are areas of educational technology that has a goal of
improving a specific aspect of teaching and learning. The technology is selected to help us meet
these goals.

1. Software Tools
Word processing, database, spreadsheet, telecommunications, presentation, graphic
paint programs. Teachers need to know how to use them, how to teach them to students, and
how and why to use them in the classroom.

2. Software Types
Drill and practice, tutorials or computer-based instruction, and simulations. Teachers
need to know what these are as well as why, when, and how to incorporate them into their
teaching.

3. Integrated Learning Systems

Also known as computer-managed instruction. Teachers need to know what this is, how
to use it, when to use it, with what grade levels and subject areas to use it, with what students to
use it, and its role in the educational process.

4. Equipment Use
Digital camera, scanner, camcorder, computer, modem, printer, LCD projector, and
others. Teachers need to know how to use them and how they can be used in the classroom.
 5. Multimedia Integration
Create and find graphics, images, audio files, video files, and animations. Import these
multimedia objects into their presentations and learning materials. Understand how and why the
integration of multimedia helps them to teach and how it helps students to learn.

6. Audio and Video Conferencing

Understand what these are and how to incorporate them into the educational process.
Understand various teaching methods that best utilize these tools. Understand how these can
affect how we learn.

7. Distance Education
Understand what it is, types of instructional delivery systems and media to be used (i.e.,
self-instructional manuals, slides, videotaped instruction, interactive TV, and the Internet), how
to design courses using distance education, the differences in this type of learning and teaching,
techniques for delivering instruction in this method, and why and how this approach can be used
at various grade levels.

The Three Technological Configuration

Teachers need to understand the three technological configurations available –

additive, integrated, and independent. They need to understand which configuration that they
would like to implement, why this one is best for them and their students, and how to implement
this method of integration. Teachers need to know how, when, and why to use any technology
in the classroom. Teachers need to be able to modify how they teach in order to incorporate this
technology.

 Additive – This consists of the addition of content, concepts, themes, and perspectives
to the curriculum without changing its structure.
 Integrated – Combining content area instruction with computer skills instruction. Rather
than learning computer skills in their computer class, the students are given projects
which involve technology in all of their classes.
 Independent - Self-guided process wherein the learning works to expand their
knowledge and skills. The goal of independent learning is to shift the learning process to
the student, making them an active participant with the teacher providing guidance and
structure.

Teachers need to be able to quickly use various equipment and access software when
needed. They need to be able to access and display the Internet and know how to utilize the
Internet, software programs, presentation software, videotapes, and so on, in their teaching
methods. Classrooms also need software and equipment available to their students.