My Thoughts on Educational Technology

1.       How would you define educational technology?

Before I began studying more about educational technology, I would have defined it in terms of the kinds of tools that are used to assist teachers and students within the classroom. My classroom teaching experience is just beginning and I have had little prior knowledge of the kinds of technology tools used within an educational environment. After having explored the idea of educational technology a bit further in my last few courses, I have come to realize that educational technology is about more than simply the physical tools that are used within a learning environment. It also involves the process of research, design, evaluation, and implementation of tools that can assist in the learning process. I suppose that if I were to develop a definition for educational technology, I would say that it is the process in which technological tools are developed and implemented within an educational environment in order to enhance both the teaching and learning experience. 

2.       The study of educational technology begins with a look at the teaching-learning process. Why do you think this is an important place to start?

I feel that the purpose of educational technology is to change or enhance the teaching/learning experience in order to assist individuals in developing a greater understanding of the information that is being presented in the educational environment. Therefore, it makes logical sense that in order for educational technology to help in this process, the best place to begin is to examine the teaching/learning process. If the goal of educational technology is to enhance the educational process, the individuals who work to develop educational tools have to begin their creation by looking at the teaching and learning process in order to gain insight into the areas where the addition of technology could aid in improving the comprehension and understanding of the information being presented. In addition, this is also a good place for teachers who are looking to implement technology within their classrooms to begin the process. Successful use of educational technology can not be achieved without evaluating the areas where instruction and understanding seem to be lacking. By identifying the parts of the teaching/learning process that need improvement, designers and instructors can develop better ideas and theories as to which technology tools can “fill in the gaps” and help to enhance the educational process. Learning more about how educators present information and how students receive that information will greatly assist in the process of developing and implementing educational technology tools that can improve both the teaching and learning experience.