Educational technology (also called learning technology) is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources. The term educational technology is often associated with, and encompasses, instructional theory and learning theory. While instructional technology covers the processes and systems of learning and instruction, educational technology includes other systems used in the process of developing human capability. Educational technology can include school uses of desktop and laptop computers, VCRs, DVD players, projectors, and other AV equipment, handheld devices, cell phones, and calculators. Educational Technology also includes, but is not limited to, software, hardware, as well as Internet applications and activities. 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 “smartphones” and games (both online and offline) are beginning to draw serious attention for their learning potential. Educational technology is intended to improve education over what it would be without technology. Some of the claimed benefits are listed below:
Easy-to-access course materials. Instructors can post the course material or important information on a course’s website, which means students can study at a time and location they prefer and can obtain the study material very quickly;
Student motivation. Computer-based instruction can give instant feedback to students and explain correct answers. Moreover, computer is patient and non-judgmental, which can give the student motivation to continue learning. According to James Kulik, who studies effectiveness of computers used for instruction, students usually learn more in less time when receiving computer-based instruction and they like classes more and develop more positive attitudes toward computers in computer-based classes;
Widening participation. Learning material can be used for long distance learning and are accessible;
Improved student writing. It is convenient for students to edit their written work on word processors, which in turn improves the quality of their writing. According to some studies, the students are better at critiquing and editing written work that is exchanged over a computer network with students they know.…
