Quiz0106-1.docx

**1.0. Introduction** It can be observed 'that technology is changing teaching and learning, implicitly helping and preparing students to live, learn and work successfully in a digital age. New technology-based models and pedagogies have the power to dramatically improve educational outcomes. Thus...

**1.0. Introduction** It can be observed 'that technology is changing teaching and learning, implicitly helping and preparing students to live, learn and work successfully in a digital age. New technology-based models and pedagogies have the power to dramatically improve educational outcomes. Thus teachers and school administrators who use new media are assumed to be automatically more effective than those who do not, this explains the need for practicing and trainee teachers to be acquainted with educational technology, instructional technology and the role of information technology in supporting education, and in particular the teaching---learning process. The concept of educational technology is crucial to the advancement of teaching and learning; for instance, the teaching and learning of science subjects requires the use of various teaching aids/apparatus. In most areas of science education, the use of technology enhances learning. On the other hand, ICT offers the unique opportunity of enabling working class learners the comfort of studying in their private offices or at home which in turn stands as the bedrock of open and distance learning education. The course traces the development of education with specific focus on the use of teaching aids and instructional media in teaching learning process. It covers the research carried out in instruction especially in the use of resources leading to the system's approach to instruction and the development of communication theory and models for provision of theoretical framework for instruction. The course deals with some basic elements of instructional design, course organization, delivery and administration. Furthermore, the course places emphasis on the new technologies of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).and its application in teaching and learning process with emphasis on teacher education and distance education systems in order to make education accessible, affordable and flexible. **3.1. Definition of Some Key Terms Relevant to Educational Technology** In discussing this topic called educational technology, it is important to understand the following terms in the context of the course namely; i. Education, ii. Technology, iii. Information, iv. Technology **in** education, v. Technology **of** education and vi. Information technology. **3.1.1. What is Education?** According to Don Berg, Founder, education is: *Merely the delivery of knowledge, skills and information from teachers to students. This definition is inadequate to capture what is really important; that is about being and becoming educated as the proper definition of education is the process of becoming an educated person. Being an educated person means having access to optimal states of mind regardless of the situation you are in and be able to perceive accurately, think clearly and act effectively to achieve self-selected goals and aspiration. Furthermore, it is a process of cognitive cartography, mapping your experiences and finding a variety of reliable ways to optimal states when you find yourself in non-Optimal states.* On the other hand, Ukeje, B., defined education as a process by which people are acclimatized to the culture into which they are born, in order that they may advance it. He goes further to say that it is the process by which people are prepared and trained to live and function effectively, efficiently and productively in and around their environments. Thus, education is a process by which an individual is totally prepared, trained and developed to live functionally and productively in accordance with the norms, culture and values of his/her society right from childhood to death, or a process by which an individual goes through to attain a desired knowledge, skills and values that are in line with laid down societal standards, norms and aspirations. In sum, it is a process by which some one attains a change in his/her behavior, and so to be educated here would mean to be literate plus being able to live and be able to exhibit high level of professionalism and technical know-how. There could be two faces of education, formal and informal. Formal education refers to the planned, organized training and learning that are acquired through schooling, workshop or conferences, while the informal is that kind of education acquired either by way of interaction with people, peers, media and/or otherwise. **3.1.2. Technology and its Importance in Education** Various authorities have differently defined the term technology. The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary for instance defines technology as the scientific study and use of mechanical arts and applied sciences, e.g. engineering, and its application to practical tasks in industry. Akaninwor (2008) in Uwaifo, and Uddin (2009), sees technology as a systematic application of manufacturing methods and industrial arts to enhance efficiency in human activities; he goes further to say that technology can simply be described as the result of man's efforts to do things more efficiently and effectively. Drucker (2007) in Uwaifo, and Uddin (2009), defines technology as a diverse collection of processes, and knowledge that people use to extend human abilities and satisfy human needs and wants by modifying the natural world to suite their purposes in accomplishing a task. Thus technology can deductively be defined as advanced scientific methods, knowledge and tools by which human efforts are augmented to accomplish a given task. In education it is a means by which educational tasks, activities and programmes (in particular the teaching-learning process) are supported to attain a desired result. The followings are some of the importance of technology in education today: 1. Technology makes learning interesting. 2. Technology makes learning process more suitable and effective. 3. It helps in achieving educational pursuits in all ramifications of academic work. 4. Technological equipment when properly used, stimulates interest and assimilation in teaching process. 5. It promotes and support independent learning, self-study, and hence, life---long education. 6. Today technology is the most effective means used for the development and improvement of the educational curriculum of every educational system. **3.1.3. What is Technology in Education?** The use of audio-visual materials, devices, tools or products whereby teaching---learning activities are enriched and supported (Elaigwu, n.d.). Thus, technology in education can be referred to all the non-human resources used by the teacher to promote, facilitate and support teaching-learning process. **3.1.4. What is Technology of Education?** The technology of education in this context can he considered as a viable mix of men and machines that can hopefully be adjusted to facilitate individual learning (Eiaigwu,n.d.). Thus technology of education is the harmonization of human and non-human resources for supporting and facilitating educational process and in particular individual's learning. **3.1.5. What is Information?** Information can be regarded as signs, or transmitted signals. Information is any kind of event that affects the state of a dynamic system. Conceptually, information is the message (utterance or expression) being conveyed. Thus 'information could mean a conveyed and understood message, knowledge or idea that would be useful to the recipient for decision taking or action. The information society demands a work force that can use technology as a tool to increase productivity and creativity. This involves identifying reliable sources of information, effectively accessing these sources of information, synthesizing and communicating that information to colleagues and associates. Alabi (2004) notes, that postgraduate education is essentially a knowledge-based process. This knowledge-based process includes knowledge-acquisition, knowledge-incubation, knowledge amplification, and knowledge dissemination. It is self-evident that information is a key resource, which permeates postgraduate teaching, learning, research and publications. This underscores the need for effective methods and means of information processing and transmission, (Hawkins, 1998 in Igwe, 2005). In educational technology, the incorporation of information technology into the learning experiences is a term that continues to evolve alongside technological advancements in the field. By its nature, educational technology is an eclectic discipline, meaning that a discipline that has elements of some other disciplines in it. This is so because educational technology encompasses specialized areas like philosophy, psychology sociology and communication/information and communication technology. Other areas from where educational technology shares content and methods include library science' and archival studies. The use of educational technology has played a major part in improving the learning outcomes of individuals by personalizing the learning experience. The immediate responsiveness of computer based programs and the self-paced private learning environment that educational technology warrants seeks to promote higher levels of motivation among students worldwide. It has also provided greater access to education such as in the case of increased accommodation for students with severe physical disabilities and for students living in remote areas.