Reflections on Introductory Lecture and Readings

Educational Technology is the process of applying what we know about learning to the educational setting. Like any technology, it is practical in that it is used to solve a real problem. For educational technology, the problem is how best to utilize technological advances (such as audiovisual aids, computers, etc.) to enhance student learning and help students achieve a “meaningful understanding” (AECT, 2004) of the concepts at hand

In addition, like any other technology, educational technology is very dynamic because the field of student learning is constantly advancing and the “best practices” in the field are constantly changing. With the constant shifting in what is considered the latest technology, it is not very surprising that the general public views "educational technology" as synonymous with the latest technology (i.e. use of computers or the internet).

While the presentation in class and the first paper seemed to dwell on the failures of various technologies, I thought it was very telling that the Army training videos of WWII were considered such a success (Resiser, 2001). Obviously many factors such as student motivation, acceptance of the format (by teachers and by learners), instructional content, etc. influence the effectiveness of technology at least as much as the specific type of technology used. The challenge then seems to be to identify which of these factors are most important in a particular situation so that the media can be tailored to the need(s)at hand.

In completing the readings, and especially the third one (AECT, 2004), I was reminded of a media evaluation model that I found very useful in my work with social norms programming as an effective means of health education/health promotion. This model, developed by Michael Haines of Southern Illinois University is called “Media PIE.” It states that to be most effective, health education media {technology} needs to be positive (P) rather than negative, inclusive (I) so that the intended target audience can relate to it and empowering (E) so that the intended audience is encouraged to act on their own behalf (Haines, 1997). I am sure that we will meet many other models to help us develop appropriate and effective educational interventions as we move through this course and our respective programs.

The main message, I think, is that the learning process is so complex and so dynamic that it requires many different tools. Technology may not be the best tool in all cases, but as the field of educational technology and learning theories themselves advance, there will always be a role for technological resources in teaching and learning.



[References]

AECT (2004 Draft). The Definition of educational technology: An analysis and explanation of the concept

Reiser, R.A. (2001). A History of Instructional Design and Technology: Part 1: A history of instructional media. Educational Technology Research and Development, 49, 53-65.

Haines, M.P. (1997). Wellness Management, the newsletter of the National Wellness Association, 13, #3, 1-4.