Chapter 1: History of Educational Theory
Reflection
Educational technology, sometimes shortened to EduTech or EdTech, is a wide field. Therefore, one can find many
definitions, some of which are conflicting. Educational technology as an
academic field can be considered either as a design science or as a collection
of different research interests addressing fundamental issues of learning,
teaching and social organization. Educational technology as practice refers to
any form of teaching and learning that makes use of technology.
The
great tech minds tasked with creating the data-driven processes and
applications that facilitate learning may understand
solution-implementation–but they can’t stand in for educators when it
comes to disseminating knowledge. Conversely, strong educators aren’t
necessarily equipped or inclined to deal with all the technology available to
them and develop ways to apply it to their discipline. They will be the
first to tell you that there are enough challenges in their day-to-day
work without our asking them to become IT experts, as well.
Educators
should not be replaced by the different and new strategies in connection with
the technologies. Yet, we must also go with the trend. We must not limit
ourselves to the different teaching opportunities. However, we should not
forget that the hands-on teacher is much more meaningful than the one who
always rely on technologies without doing his/her responsibility as an educator.
