Lesson 1

Meaning of Educational Technology

        To understand the meaning of educational technology, it may be good to begin with the meaning of technology. The word “technology” comes from the word Greek word techne which means craft or art. Based on the etymology of the word “technology”’ the term educational technology, therefore, refers to the art or craft of responding to our educational needs.  

    Many people think that technology refers only to machines such as computers, tv, videos and the like. All these form part of the technology but educational technology is not just machines. It is a “ planned , systematic method of working to achieve planned outcomes – a process not a product. Technology is the applied side of scientific development” ( Dale, 1969) Technology refers to “ all the ways people use their inventions and discoveries to satisfy their needs and desire.” ( The World Book Encyclopedia, Vol. 19)..

These are other term that are associated with educational technology. We come across term like technology in education instructional technology and technology integration in education books, educational media. Are they synonymous with educational technology?

              Technology in education is “ the application of technology to any of those process involved in operating the institutions which house the educational enterprise. It includes the application of technology to food, health, finance, scheduling, grade, reporting and other processes which support education within institutions” (David H. Jonassen, et al. 1999) 

                Instructional technology is a part of educational technology. Instructional refers to those aspects of educational technology that “ are concerned with instruction as contrasted to designs and operations of educational institutions. Instructional technology is a systematic way of designing, carrying out, and evaluating the total process of learning and the teaching in terms of specific objectives.” (Lucido and Borabo, 1997).

       Technology integration means using “learning technologies to introduced, reinforce, supplement and extend skills.” ( Williams, ed. 2000). It is a part of educational technology.

Summary:

What is Educational Technology?

          Educational Technology is the application of technology in the educative process that takes place in education institutions.    

What is the difference of Technology in Education, Instructional Technology and Technology Integration?

Technology in Education- is the application of technology in the operation of education institutions.

Instructional Technology- refers to aspects of educational technology that are concerned with instructions.

Technology Integration- using technologies to introduced, supplement and extend skills.