I had fun with this activity! Initially, I strove to define educational technology. I liked the definition that its goal is “facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources” (Lazaro, 2014).
When I think of educational technology, I tend to think of modern technology, but interestingly, Levene’s History of Educational Technology timeline (2012) illustrates how items such as the slate are examples of instructional media supplementing instructional methods and advancing affordable education. This caused me to reflect on some of the low tech methods we currently employ in the military to great effect (such as flip-charts in a small-group brainstorming activity or a sand table to teach basic military tactics).
The timeline also pointed out some more modern technology such as student response systems can act as great enablers of formative assessment (Levene, 2012). Currently within the air force, we also use advanced educational technology. We are using linked simulators to train aircrew in joint operations with army and navy personnel, increasing training opportunities. This educational technology enables aircrew to remain proficient and current in emergency procedures in a way that is not possible to replicate safely on an actual aircraft (RCAF PA Imagery Section, 2014). We also use an online learning platform to deliver a great deal of distance learning and blended learning (ND and the CAF, 2014) which has enabled more people to be trained on basic, but specialized skills that we would not have the capacity or financial resources to teach using in-class methods (Margueratt & Fahy, 2003).
Based on examining the integration of basic and advanced technology into learning, one can come to the same conclusion as Scarlett, “Used appropriately technology can be integrated into a curriculum in ways that serve the needs of students but the tools of technology should never be seen as a means to an end in themselves” (2015).
References:
Lazaro, H. (2014, August 12). What is EdTech and why should it matter to you? Retrieved from https://generalassemb.ly/blog/what-is-edtech/
Levene, J. (2012). History of Educational Technology. Retrieved from http://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/64373/History-of-Educational-Technology/#vars!date=0205 BC-01-03_16:44:14!
Margueratt, D., & Fahy, P. J. (2003). Development of a defense learning network for the Canadian Department of National Defense. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 4(2).
National Defence (ND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). (2014, November 17). DLN. Retrieved from http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/training-elearning/dln.page
Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Public Affairs (PA) Imagery Section. (2014). Modelling & Simulation. Retrieved from http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/assets/AIRFORCE_Internet/videos/en/multi-media/modelling-and-simulation.mp4
Scarlett, A. (2015, September 2016). The good, the bad and the ugly: Technology and 21st century learning. Retrieved from https://internationaleducationtoday.com/2015/09/16/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-technology-and-21st-century-learning/
