Educational technology basically refers to the research and development of educational materials, content, and practices in reference to technological advances. The use of hardware, software, and internet activities and applications are included in educational technology, but it doesn’t stop there. The advancements in technology continue to include other resources as well. In fact, there are many toys that are being developed for interactive learning and education among even the very young.
Since the early 1990s, educational technology has drastically changed. With the use of computers, computer software, and internet access in the classroom the resources available to educators are limitless! In fact, it is now even possible to communicate with people around the globe in a learning environment. Not only are students having access to technological devices and open source software programs like Open Office for supplemental education and production, but we are moving towards a vast majority of our education being provided through the internet and other technologies. We have already seen this trend through videoconferencing courses in high schools and colleges as well as online courses and schools becoming more and more popular. These educational opportunities have become a reality due to educational technology.
Although there are so many uses and benefits of using technology in the classroom, many educational systems and teachers are questioning if there is enough benefit to justify the cost of incorporating technology into their classrooms. There are several things to be considered when weighing the options.
Digital stimulus can aid a teacher in presenting concepts that are too complex to be presented properly otherwise. Through technologic advances it is possible to allow students to learn in a virtual environment, such as a lab or through visually learning how molecules work, etc. where they would not have had these opportunities in the past. And then there is technology like open source software that is free. Students can work on projects and use mind-mapping software like Freemind to brainstorm and sort through problems. They can learn accounting skills and bookkeeping techniques with a free program like GNU Cash.
Technology has also allowed for a much broader learning environment. Through e-books and internet resources students and teachers have access to a much wider range of educational materials than they have ever had in the past.