Educational technology, of one type or another, has been used for thousands of years and was built on educational theories such as behaviorism, cognitivism and constructivism. In 2019, educational technology is defined as the use of computer programs, computers and educational theories to support students in the improvement or learning of new skills. Educational technology began as early as 2500 BCE with the abacus and scroll to 1500 CE with the slide rule, printing press and books. The history of technology continued from 1800 CE to 2000 CE with the invention of the camera, radio, moving pictures, television, computers, internet, smartphones, social networks, and wearable devices (Huang, Spector & Yang, 2019, p. 12). Although, technology continues to grow at a rapid pace, are we, the educators of the 21st century, comfortable with how to incorporate it into our curriculum?
It was interesting to learn that teaching machines were invented in the 1950’s. Educators created learning materials (multiple choice/fill in the blank questions) which were to be used by the students with the learning machine. Students answered the questions and immediately knew if their answers were correct. They completed the work on their own, at their own pace and were successful in doing so. Although students benefited from this learning tool, educators believed that students needed one on one teacher/student interaction and therefore they did not utilize this technology. Educators could have incorporated this tool together with traditional learning methods but chose not to do so. Interesting that forty years later, Wenglinsky (1998) suggested that although technology provided many benefits in the classroom, some teachers were unwilling to use it for instruction (p.10). Could the lack of use of technology in the classroom be perceived as resistance to change?
In 2019, educators have access to leading edge technology. We have the opportunity to be creative and produce interactive technologically savvy education. Are we up to the challenge?
References
ensemblemedia. (2013, April 9). B.F. Skinner and the Teaching Machine, Tablet Edition. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm9VMdQaAQQ
Huang, R. M., Spector, J. M., & Yang, J. M. (2019). Educational technology: a primer for the 21st century. doi:10.1007/978-981-13-6643-7
Wenglinsky, H., & Educational Testing Service, P. N. P. I. C. (1998). Does it compute? The relationship between educational technology and student achievement in mathematics. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.royalroads.ca/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=ED425191
September 8, 2019 at 2:07 pm
Great question at the end Caroline. There is so much to consider. In my own experience, the technology often does not come with training and the teacher although excited by the change feels frustration and thus goes back to where he-she is comfortable. I have seen this first hand time and time again with Powerpoint , SMARTBOARD technology, and Sharepoint to name just three. Powerpoint in the hands of an experienced user can be so powerful to excite the learner and turn the material into a theatrical performance. In the wrong hands it can turn learners off so as to illicit the ‘death by powerpoint’ axiom – its becomes a crutch for the educator. This is where I often say I would prefer a good educator over the best technology rather the best technology and a poor educator. Respectfully, Arv
September 8, 2019 at 6:56 pm
Hi Arv
Yes, I can relate to death by PowerPoint. We have to get out of our own way, in order for change to occur.
Caroline
September 8, 2019 at 5:54 pm
Hi Caroline, I enjoyed reading your post! I think educators have to be up to the challenge of using and incorporating technology into their teaching because there is so much access. It’s like the there is no going back now, the genie is out of the bottle.