Educational Technology Foundations
Module 1: Definitions
What is educational technology? How has it been defined, by whom, and for what purpose? There are several definitions, which reflect various models of instructional technology that have been created to serve the needs of different audiences. This module provides links to definitions of educational technology created by (1) ISTE, (2) AECT, and (3) the U.S. Department of Education.
ISTE Definition
In the glossary of the NETS-T standards, ISTE defines "Educational Computing and Technology" as follows:
Educational computing and technology encompasses knowledge about and use of computers and related technologies in (1) delivery, development, prescription, and assessment of instruction; (2) effective uses of computers as an aid to problem solving; (3) school and classroom administration; (4) educational research; (5) electronic information access and exchange; (6) personal and professional productivity; and (7) computer science education.
Source: National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers; Preparing Teachers to Use Technology, Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education, 2002, p. 359.
AECT Definition
The definition of instructional technology prepared by the AECT Definitions and Terminology Committee is as follows:
Instructional Technology is the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning.
...The words Instructional Technology in the definition mean a discipline devoted to techniques or ways to make learning more efficient based on theory but theory in its broadest sense, not just scientific theory.
...Theory consists of concepts, constructs, principles, and propositions that serve as the body of knowledge. Practice is the application of that knowledge to solve problems. Practice can also contribute to the knowledge base through information gained from experience.
...Of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation... refer to both areas of the knowledge base and to functions performed by professionals in the field.
...Processes are a series of operations or activities directed towards a particular result.
...Resources are sources of support for learning, including support systems and instructional materials and environments.
...The purpose of instructional technology is to affect and effect learning.
Source: Barbara Seels and Rita Richey, Instructional Technology: The Definition and Domains of the Field, Bloomington, IN: Association for Educational Communications and Technology, 1994, pp. 1-9.
DOE Definition
In the executive summary of the National Education Technology Plan of 2004, the U.S. Department of Education describes its vision of educational technology as follows: "There has been explosive growth in the availability of online instruction and virtual schools, complementing traditional instruction with high quality courses tailored to the needs of individual students. Tests now can be taken online, giving students, teachers and parents almost instant feedback. This is a major step forward in tracking progress and identifying needs. New student data management systems will greatly facilitate the collection and use of test, demographic and other data for more effectively designing and managing instructional programs."
