Educational Technology

Definition It should be noted that there is no single agreed definition for Educational Technology, however the definition below seem relevant; Educational Technology Is a combination of the processes and tools involved in addressing educational needs and problems, with an emphasis on applying the most current digital and information tools (Roblyer and Doering:2013)

Brief history of Educational Technology The Pre-computer era 1950 (first computer was used for instruction) – late 1970s (CAI movement declines and computer literacy movement begins) The Microcomputer Era 1977 (first computer i.e. Desktops enter schools) – 1990s (Integrated Learning networked Systems in schools emerge)

Internet Era 1993 (WWW is born – teachers enter the information highway) – 1998 (Technology standards are set to guide students, teachers and administrators) Mobile Technologies (The Era of ubiquitous access) 2005 (Social networking sites gain popularity) 2007 ebook reader was released by Amazon 2010 Apple releases the first iPad handheld computer

Future of Educational Technology Horizon Report notes that; Computing is increasingly cloud based with information and programs stored in servers and accessed online Increased use of devices with artificial intelligence such as robots that emulate some teachers functions (Stasberry, 2010)

Future trends in hardware and software development Ubiquitous mobile computing More sources of open content Increased ebook presence Augmented reality systems Gesture based systems

Future of Educational Technology: Educational Trends Flexible learning environments Adaptable assessment options Emphasis on communication and collaboration Reliance on learning at a distance Increased educational options for students with disabilibities