The idea of educational technology has been around for quite a while, and it’s also called learning technology or instructional technology; however, hoping to define the term adequately may be something of a issue. During the early 1960s the argument on an earlier term surrounded whether or not this should be spelled ‘audiovisual’ or ‘audio-visual.’ Lastly the term was changed from ‘audiovisual instruction’ to ‘audiovisual communications.’
In 1963 the Association for Educational Communication and Technology (AECT) initially defined the phrase based on the advice from the Commission on Definition and Terminology. The commission affirmed the term ‘audiovisual communications’ but was able to replace it with another term once it obtained sufficient support. The term ‘educational technology’ couldn’t become accepted for one more 10 years.
Educational Technology is usually a broad term that may relate to many different types of technology that might be observed in the classroom. Many instructors see that the term refers to using computers, films, television and other electronics to enhance student understanding. Generally this means the entire assortment of resources available to increase a student’s comprehension of the subject matter at hand.
The various tools of figuring out technology may also refer to overhead projectors, calculators, laptop computers, audio recordings, DVD disks and players and many more. Then again, most of us normally think of digital computer technology in association with the classroom setting. The computer and the Internet have impacted each and every part of our culture, and computers inside the classroom are necessary to prepare our children to function these days.
The learning approach should be substantially improved as a result of educational technology or e-learning, as well as a number of advantages have been discovered. Online learning has grown in popularity over the last couple of years. Online classes in virtual classrooms allow for students to go to classes and earn credits while holding down a full time job. The class materials are submitted online so students might study at a precious time convenient for them.
Standard education where the instructor talks and the student digests information is a passive educational experience. Facts will be remembered for tests and then promptly forgotten once the test is finished. With e-learning, there’s a lot more interaction resulting in better retention and an increased ability to use the attained knowledge in real life scenarios. Facts are given in many different ways that hold the focus of the student.
Researcher James A. Kulik examined the effectiveness of computers in the learning process and found quite a few interesting results. Students get more information a lot sooner from computer based instruction. The computer can give immediate comments to explain wrong answers on quizzes, which is infinitely patient and non-judgmental which gives students a more optimistic frame of mind.
Alternative benefits of educational technology have already been recorded. Dropout rates have decreased and attendance has grown in colleges that have added computers. Individuals feel more involved in their responsibilities and really generate higher quality work. Oddly enough, when students utilize word processors to change their work, the overall quality of their writing increases.
