Instructional Technology has various facets and can be defined with multiple definitions and a wide variety of words. So many definitions have been coined over the past forty years and yet they all lead to one definition. Over this forty year period and the various definitions, it seems that all of the definitions were appropriate for the time in which they were written. I am inclined to state that the one definition for Instructional Technology is; the use of an assortment of tools to increase student learning. This definition may seem vague to many; however, it is important to note that instructional Technology is not simply the use of computers to teach students. Instructional Technology goes beyond the use of concrete items that many people deem as technology. When deeply analyzed, one realizes that technology has evolved drastically over the last twenty years and with these changes, education also had to change. For many today, technology includes television, computers, video games and other such objects. Many fail to realize that obscure objects such as the wheel were at a point considered advances technology. It seems that anything created to make human life easier is considered technology. When it comes to instruction in the classroom, technology can be the old fashion blackboard, pens, pencils and even the interactions between students and teacher. Hence, Instructional Technology is a variety of tools that can be used to make learning interesting, engaging and fun to learners and teachers. Educational Technology or instructional Technology There is a vast difference between Instructional technology and Educational Technology. The AECT (Association for Educational Communications and Technology) defines educational technology as both a concept and a field of study. The definition provided is: “Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources.” (2004) Additionally, the AECT has defined instructional "the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management and evaluation of processes and resources for learning" (Seels & Richey, 1994). In other words, educational technology is the use of hardware and software to enhance educational experiences such as; audio, video, e-learning and other technologies. However, Instructional technology goes a bit further and does not simply deal with abstract objects, such as computers. Instructional Technology can be viewed as any additions to teaching that is engaging and enhances learning experiences for learners. With clarification of these two definitions from the AECT, I have concluded that there is a meaningful difference between Instructional technology and Educational Technology. The major difference is that Educational Technology is focused around tangible technologies and Instructional Technology is using an assortment of tools to enhance the teaching and learning process. However, these tools do not have to be objects do not have to be concrete. Importance of Instructional Technology
Presently, Instructional Technology is very important while in the field of education. As an educator, it has become increasingly important to be aware of the many technologies available to enhance educational experiences. Additionally, these technologies hold importance not only to educators but also students. As a result, it has become imperative to utilize the various technologies in the classroom to improve the teaching and learning process. These technologies can range from very minute to complex objects, programs or even thoughts and they are valid in any classroom if they are engaging to students and provide enhancement to the teaching and learning process.
References (2004). Educational Technology: The definition and domains of the field. Washington, DC: Associations for Educational Communications and Technology.
Seels, B., & Ritchey, R. (1994). Instructional Technology: The definition and domains of the field. Washington, DC: Associations for Educational Communications and Technology.
What is Instructional Technology????
Educational Technology or instructional Technology
Importance of Instructional Technology
Presently, Instructional Technology is very important while in the field of education. As an educator, it has become increasingly important to be aware of the many
References
(2004). Educational Technology: The definition and domains of the field. Washington, DC: Associations for Educational Communications and Technology.
Seels, B., & Ritchey, R. (1994). Instructional Technology: The definition and domains of the field. Washington, DC: Associations for Educational Communications and Technology.