EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources."

Explanation and meaning

Educational technology is most simply and comfortably defined as an array of tools that might prove helpful in advancing student learning.

Some modern tools include but

 are not limited to overhead

projectors, laptop computers, and calculators. Newer tools such as "smart phones" and games  are beginning to draw serious attention for their learning potential.

A Short History

Educational technology in a way could be traced back to the emergence of very early tools, e.g., paintings on cave walls. But usually its history starts with educational film (1900s) or Sidney Pressey's mechanical teaching machines in the 1920s.The 1950s led to two major, still popular designs. The 1980s and 1990s produced a variety of schools that can be put under the umbrella of the label Computer-based learning (CBL).

Theories and practices

Three main theoretical schools or philosophical frameworks have been present in the educational technology literature. These are Behaviorism, Cognitivism and Constructivism. Each of these schools of thought are still present in today's literature but have evolved as the Psychology literature has evolved.

Technology in the classroom

There

 are various types of technologies currently used in traditional classrooms. Among these are:

Computer in the classroom: Having a

 computer in the classroom is an asset

 to any teacher. With a computer in

the classroom, teachers are able to

 demonstrate a new lesson, present

new material, illustrate how to use

 new programs, and show new websites

Class website: An easy way to

 display your student's work is

 to create a web page designed

for your class. Once a web

page is designed, teachers can

 post homework assignments,

 student work, famous quotes,

trivia games, and so much more.

Class blogs and wikis:

There are a variety of Web 2.0 tools that are currently being implemented in the classroom.

Wireless classroom microphones:

Noisy classrooms are a daily

 occurrence, and with the help

of microphones, students are

able to hear their teachers more

 clearly. Children learn better

 when they hear the teacher

clearly.

Mobile devices: Mobile devices such

as clickers or smartphone can be

 used to enhance the experience in

 the classroom by providing the

 possibility for professors to get

 feedback.