The following is a summary of the main points covered in this chapter.
- Four perspectives that define educational technology: The following educational technology organizations represent the four views of educational technology described in this chapter:
- AECT—Technology as media and AV communications
- ISPI—Technology as instructional systems and instructional design
- ITEA—Technology as vocational training (a.k.a., technology education)
- ISTE—Technology as computer systems
- History of educational computing/technology and what we have learned from it: The three eras in the history of educational computing/technology were:
- Pre-microcomputer Era (1950-late 1970s) — University projects use mainframe and minicomputer systems to deliver instruction in schools; the Computer Literacy movement begins.
- Microcomputer Era (Late 1970s-1994) — Microcomputers enter schools and spawn the software publishing, Logo, and ILS movements
- Internet Era (1994-present) — The first web browser (Mosaic) makes possible travel on the "Information Superhighway"
- A rationale for using educational technology: Elements of a rationale for using technology in education include: increased motivation, unique instructional capabilities, support for new instructional approaches, increased productivity, and required skills for an information age (technological literacy, information literacy, and visual literacy). The research rationale for using technology in teaching is documented at the CARET website.
- Current educational technology systems, configurations, and applications: Get some ideas on designs for computer labs and what factors you should consider as you purchase and set up labs. Also, look at these pictures of Computers on Wheels (COWS) and mobile labs. Remember that one of the primary concerns in setting up and maintaining any computer lab is accessibility for all users. Review this accessibility checklistfor all the factors that should be considered.
- Factors shaping the climate for technology integration: These include current educational technology systems, configurations, and applications. Issues include
- Societal (economic, anti-technology positions, impact of the No Child Left Behind Act)
- Educational (standards movement, reliance on Internet and distance education, and debate over directed vs. constructivist methods)
- Cultural and equity (Digital Divide, racial and gender equity, special needs)
- Legal and ethical (viruses/hacking, online plagiarism, privacy/safety, copyright, illegal downloads/software piracy)
- Emerging trends in hardware/software development: These include:
- New skills for the future: The International Society for Technology in Education established the National Educational Technology Skills (NETS) for students, teachers, and administrators. These document skills that will be essential in order to take advantage of emerging technology capabilities. People often use electronic portfolios to demonstrate technology and other skills they have attained.
