Four Perspectives on Educational Technology

Tammy BoudreauKevin ReedPaulette GoguenMonique DupuisSusan SmidtPaula Gaudet

Educational Technology The combination of the processes and tools in

addressing educational needs and problems, with an emphasis on applying the most current tools: computers and their related technologies

Historical Perspectives Important to examine the four different

historical perspectives on these processes and tools, each of which has helped to shape current practices in the field:1. Media and Audiovisual Communications2. Instructional Systems3. Vocational Training (Technology Education)4. Computer Systems

1. Technology as Media Saettler – (1990) Audiovisual Movement

Another way of delivering information other than books, or teacher instruction.

Early forms of Media were: slides, overheads, filmstrips, opaque projectors.

Some critics felt these methods were more effective

Groups involved in Media and Audiovisual Communication The Association for

Educational Communications and Technology (AECT)-concerned with machines which contain messages and their application in classrooms

Later (1988) refocused their concerns with telecommunications and computer information systems.

Media ImpactThe impact of media has been

widespread and continues to be an important part of educational technology. Teachers are constantly trying different ways to reach their students particularly when they are confronted with so many media images in their daily lives.

2. Instructional Systems Took shape in the 1960’s and 1970’s The systems approach to solving educational

problems came from military and industrial training

Systems was introduced to K-12 by university personal working with schools.

The system was based on the belief that teachers and media could be parts of a system for addressing instructional need.

Examples: PLATO and ADDIE Model

Instructional Systems Educational technology was now seen as a

systematic approach to design, develop and deliver instruction matched to specific needs.

From the 1960’s to the 1980’s the application of the systems approach was influenced by the popular learning theories of the time.

Initially Behaviourist theories followed by Cognitive theories.

In the 1990’s the systems theory was criticized by popular learning theories, suggestion it was too rigid.

Today’s constructivist theories have changed opinions once again and are embracing the Instructional Systems approach.

3. Technology as Vocational Training Vocational Training is another view of

educational technology. It sees technology as a tool used in business

and industry called technology education. It derived from trainers and vocational

educators in the 1980’s. Key words: Job skills, work world,

business/industry Examples: Robotics, manufacturing systems,

and computer-assisted design

Current View of Vocational Training Computers are shaping the world around

us. Both are constantly changing as we speak. Business, industries, and teachers all play in important part in vocational training in the industrial classroom and in the classroom itself in all content areas.

4. Computer Systems Advent of computers in 1950’s for business,

industry, and military trainers Recognized the potential of computers as

instructional tools Computer technology was predicted to be

the most important components of educational technology Instructional applications of computers did not

produce the anticipated success

From 1960’s to 1990’s educational computing was created to encompass both instructional and support applications of computers

In the 1990’s a combination of technology resources, including media, instructional systems, and computer based support systems

Currently our system combines all resources to aid in learning

Scenario

What could have caused this disagreement?

Individuals in this scenario each had a different perspective of what Technology Integration meant. Their idea of the technology plan could have been different because of the following:

Prior educational experience Age of the teacher Comfort level with technology Background tech knowledge

In your opinion, was one of the members’ perspectives most correct?

Our thoughts Each individual had one piece of the pie, but

nobody was seeing the big picture. In order to attain Technology Integration combined resources, including media, instructional systems and computer based support systems must be used.

Had they used the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards (NETS S) and Performance Indicators for Students, they would have had a standard document as their starting point.