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Meaning of Educational Technology

   To understand the meaning of educational technology, it may be good to begin with the meaning of technology. The word "technology" comes from the Greek word techne which craft of art. Based on the etimology of the word "technology", the term educational technology therefore, refers to the art or craft of responding to our educational needs.


Many people think that technology refers only to machines such as computers, tv, videos, and the like. All these form part of technology but educational technology is all these and more! Technology is not just machines. It is a "planned, systematic method of working to achieve planned outcomes - a process not a product. Technology is the applied side of scientific development."(Dale, 1969) Technology also refers to any valid and reliable process or procedure that is derived from basic research using the scientific method. (http://en.wikipedia.orgwiki/Educational_technology#perspective_and_meaning) Technology refers to "all the ways people use their invention and discoveries to satisfy their needs and desires"(The World Book Encyclopedia, Vol.19). So educational technology refers to how people use their inventions and discoveries to satisfy their educational needs and desires , i.e learning.

Educational technology is a "complex, integrated process involving people, procedures, ideas, devices, and organization for analyzing problems and devising, implementing, evaluating, and managing solutions to those problems, involved in all aspects of human learning."(Association for Educational Communications and Technology, 1977. The definition of educational technology: A summary, In the definition of educational technology, 1-16, Washington D.C.: AECT).Educational technology is a profession like teaching. It is made up of organized effort to implement the theory, intellectual techniques, and practical application of educational technology (David h. jonassen, et al 1999)

     From the definitions of educational technology given above, we can say that the educational is a very broad term. It is the application of scientific findings in our method.  Or procedure of working in the field of education in order to effect learning.

     Technology in education is “ the application of technology to any of those processes involved in operating the institutions which house the educational enterprise. It includes the application of technology to food. Health, finance, scheduling, grade, reporting, and other processes which support education within institutions”. (David H. Jonassen, et, al 1999).

     Instructional technology is a part of educational technology. Technology integration means using “learning technologies to introduce, reinforce, supplements and extend skills.” (Williams, ed.2000).

     Educational media are channels or avenue or instruments of communication. Examples are books, magazines, newspapers, radio, television and internet. These media also serve educational purposes.

     Which of the terms above are very much related to educational technology? Which one is least related?