Basic Concept in Educational Technology
A field dedicated to a theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management and evaluation of process and resources for learning.
Technology Integration
It is the process of determining where and how technology fits in the Teaching and Learning process.
Factor affecting the selection of educational technologies
1. Human factors
1.1. Learner factors – refer to learner differences that can influence media choice.
a.) Individual Differences
Research suggests that learner differ in:
• Their preference for learning: by observing (visual learners) or by listening (aural learners)
• Their perception of a given message: a factor of past experience, and often a culture difference exists
• Their understanding of the conventions used by various media: language and technical drawings used
b.) Attention Span
Factors that affect how long a learner can attend to one type of task are age, interest and learners’ motivation
c.) Number of Learner
Select media that are well suited to the group size you have or, if this is difficult, modify the group or structure to media you have.
d.) Physical Disabilities of Learners (poor vision, hearing, dyslexia, color blindness, etc.)
1.2. Teacher factors- refer to those factors that affect the success of media implementation.
2. Instructional method
The method of instructions dictates or limit our choice of presentation media. Is it self-regulated learning method or lecture/expository?
3. Practical constraints
Administrative and economic constraints both limit the choice of methods and media.
1.) Objectives 3.) Time
2.) Availability 4.) Resources
Contributions of education technology to education
• Increase students’ motivation, self-esteem, self-confidence and academic achievement.
• Supplies stimulating environment that encourage student involvement in the learning process.
• Promotes higher-level thinking skills and student-centered instruction.
• Offers students diversity, self-paced learning, and opportunities for individuals growth and self expression.
• Provides students with unique opportunities to apply skills and talent and to interact with other in non-threatening environments.
• Changes teacher’s and student’s role into positive directions.
• Inspires student and teacher by making learning exciting and interesting.
• Forests the development of leadership abilities and teamwork.
• Support new instructional approaches: cooperative learning, inquiry approach, problem- based learning, project-based learning and multiple intelligence.
• Provides unique opportunities for student to practice, demonstrate and critique communication skill.
• Supplies information through multi-sensory delivery channels, allowing students with various learning styles to assimilate and apply knowledge.
• Expand classroom “walls” and links students and teachers in national and international exchanges.
Essential conditions for technology integration in the classroom
For technology to have desired impact on improved teaching and learning, several conditions must be in place;
• Shared vision for technology integration – this requires coordinated school district planning with teacher and other personnel at all levels, budgeting yearly amounts for technologies purchases with incremental funding, emphasizing teacher training, matching technology to curriculum needs, and keeping current and building flexibility.
• Standard and curriculum support – technology and content area standard are designed to support each other.
• Required policies – policies are in place to ensure legal/ ethical use, safe, internet use, and equity.
• Access to hardware, software and other resources – there is adequate funding, purchasing procedures are organized and effective, and procedure are in place to set up and maintain technology resources.
• Trained personnel- staff development that includes hands-on , integration emphasis, training over time; modeling, mentoring and approaching and post training-access to technology resources.
• Technical assistance- continuing support for diagnostic and maintenance problem for teachers’ and students’ computer.
• Appropriate teaching and assessment approaches - teaching strategies are matched to needs and assessment strategies are matches to the type of learning being measured.
Some of the most important benefits of internet and other distances resources:
• Easy and rapid communication.
• Access to expert resources and information not locally available.
• Access to up-to-date information.
• Easy sharing the information and product.
• Support of a cooperative group work.
• Support for learning information and visual literacy.
Evaluating Instructional Resources
In evaluating instructional resources, several question you should ask yourself are important, regardless of the type are resources you are considering;
1. Does the content match the curriculum?
2. Is the content accurate, up to date, and appropriate with the students?
3. Do the materials teach and/or reinforce learning effectively?
4. Do these resources enhance instruction?
5. Is the resource easy for the teacher and students to use?
6. Are the materials of high quality technically?
7. Is the use of resource practical of my teaching setting (cost, needed equipment, etc.)?
Ten Commandments in creating learning/presentation materials
1. Don’t overcrowd.
2. Be consistent in formal, layout and conventions.
3. Use appropriate type paces and point uses.
4. Used bold and italics for emphasis, but don’t overuse them.
5. Use titles, headings, and subheadings to clarify and guide.
6. Use numbers through direct sequence.
7. Use graphics and illustration to reinforce ideas.
8. Use symbols and icons as identifying markers.
9. Use color/audio/music to stimulate but not to overpower, the senses.
10. Produce the materials with technical excellence – good quality good audio, clear etc.
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