Introduction to Information Technology

Information Technology (IT)

• IT involves the use of computers, networking, software programming, and various technologies to store, process, retrieve, transmit, and protect information.
• Encompasses Management Information Services (MIS) and Information Services (IS) as key components.
• IT is a growing field of study and includes career paths such as software design, network engineering, and database administration.
• Expanding beyond traditional computers, IT is rapidly integrating into mobile technology, including smartphones and PDAs.

The Concept/Nature of Educational Technology

• Three primary approaches to educational technology: Hardware, Software, and Systems.

Educational Technology as Hardware

• Early perspective focused on physical devices and tools (e.g., televisions, computers) to enhance teaching and learning.
• Known as 'tools technology,' it emphasizes that educational technology is synonymous with tangible objects and equipment.
• Rise in industrial development during the 1950s increased the availability of educational tools but often overlooked the broader educational needs and objectives.
• Highlighted the limitation of solely relying on hardware for educational success as learning depends also on preparation, curriculum needs, and teacher involvement.

Educational Technology as Software

• Emphasizes the structured design of teaching processes influenced by behavioral science.
• Focuses on programmed learning and setting specific behavioral objectives.
• Gained prominence in the 1960s, prioritizing detailed task analysis and constant evaluation of learning strategies.

Educational Technology as Systems

• Aimed to mitigate the weaknesses of previous approaches by systematically applying ideas, resources, and organization to address educational problems.
• Involves understanding the interactions within educational systems and how they relate to broader social components.
• Emphasizes looking at the entire educational ecosystem, considering inputs, outputs, and relationships among subsystems.

Educational Technology Perspectives

As Non-Human

• Defined traditionally as encompassing hardware and software, focusing on instructional media.
• Criticized for its narrow view, emphasizing only gadgets and not addressing human aspects of learning.

As Both Human and Non-Human

• Recognized as a systematic design and evaluation process incorporating both human and material resources.
• Aims for effective instruction through a combination of organizational and material approaches.

Educational Technology as a Sub-System

• Involves developing techniques and knowledge for effectively designing and operating educational systems.
• Integrates multiple disciplines like sociology, psychology, and management to address learning conditions.

Educational Technology as Integrated Systems

• Focuses on a holistic approach to design and evaluation in education, covering aims, objectives, and teaching strategies.
• The Association for Educational Communications Technology advocates for standard definitions and comprehensive approaches to educational technology.

Deductive Insights on Educational Technology

• Educational technology includes devices, ideas, and organizational systems, not limited to hardware alone.
• Highlights a systematic approach to problem-solving in learning environments.
• Addresses not just human learning but the overall educational ecosystem.
• Four phases identified by Rowntree:
  • Objectives: Analyzing aims and specifying objectives.
  • Design: Creating effective learning outcomes.
  • Evaluation: Gathering feedback for improvement.