My own personal definition of Educational Technology would be the use of technology to enhance, improve, or further engage the learning experience. However, after reading the articles by Reiser I realize that there is more to this definition. Reiser states that the main components of instructional technology are design, development, management, evaluation, and analysis. I think that I was focusing on the management of media in regard to this format. I realize now that there is much more to consider. I have discovered that media is only part of the picture. By allowing the student to learn by process and at their own pace he or she becomes a part of the instructional design.
As having been educated during the 60's and 70's I have seen many changes in educational technology. However, as an educator I can relate to the slow movement of technology in mainstream education. The lack of money and training are a major part of this problem. And for some reason we as educators seem to have a certain amount of resistance to the whole idea of technology in our classrooms. Are we really worried that computers will take over our jobs? Are we that entrenched in our curriculum?
I myself like the concept of bringing real-world ideas and problems to my class.
The analysis component of our state testing is always a low point for our students. Our staff is always trying to think of ways to improve this weakness. Instructional technology seems to be an excellent way for students to analyze problems and manage solutions.
As the article stated the definition is ever-changing. I too have changed my thoughts on educational technology. I understand that it includes; the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning. (Reiser, 1997)
4 comments:
Yes, I agree that we can help our students through the use of technology improve thier acheivement scores.
It is easy to focus on the media part of educational technology. However, as we both learned through the readings, there is much more to it. I also think there are some teachers out there who are afraid of being replaced by computers.
Nice job Ruth ... I liked your comment about "allowing the student to learn by process and at their own pace." I hold strongly to trying to find that for as many as my kids as possible. It is a key ingredient to being a successful teacher.
You listed three things stacked against the movement of technology into the mainstream of educational design: lack of money, lack of training, resistance to change by the educator.
I agree that these things have stood and still stand in the way. However, it seems to me from the reading that there is a change happening as we are seeing an increase in the use of educational media in schools. Money and training are increasing. I believe that over time this will bring about a change in the educator’s willingness to use technology as well.
Post a Comment