History and Developing Trend of Educational Technology
The term
'educational technology' encompasses the use of technological gadgets in
learning with effectively and efficiently. It includes the study and righteous
practice of facilitation for generation, application and management of
appropriate technological procedures and resources in learning and improving
performance (Richey, 2008). Spector (2015) defined:" Educational
Technology involves the disciplined application of knowledge for the purpose of
improving learning, instruction and performance". It is a concept of
combining technologies with the education to enhance the teaching and learning
environment. The use of technology varies in accordance to their availability, context
and skills.
In
ancient times, oral communication such as oratory and speech were the chief
means for the transmission of knowledge through story and folklore recitations.
Homer's Iliad and Odyssey were the recitative poems in which people used to
listen, recall and learn but not reading (Bates, 2015). Exploring the idea
about the history of educational technologies, cave wall paintings were the
earliest phase of technology used about 30,000 years ago by the tribal groups
in different parts of the world. Actually, they were visual images carves in
the wall of their shelter. Pythagoras academy, the foremost formal academy was
formed in 510 B.C. where philosophy, mathematics and science were taught in
open class. The invention of paper in China around 105 B.C was another
progressive step for the expansion of knowledge as it was lighter and handy to
carry from one part to another. Writing manuscript (hand written document)
began in about 382 AD that made the spread of written literature and became the
inspirational source for inventing printing press. According to Bible, Moses
used chiseled stone to convey ten commandments as a writing form around 7th
century( Bates 2015). Gutenberg's
printing press was invented in 1450 AD which became convenient tool to transform
those manuscripts and written documents into printing form and publishing books
around the world. Public education system was developed in Europe and America
in early 17th century followed by the use of blackboard, chalk
board in eighteenth century. Larger numbers of schools were opened in those
times. Books were developed through 1800s and used in the classroom as a chief
means of teaching and learning tool through lecture method. These materials
accelerated the learning environment. Postal system began in 1840s as a
reliable source of written information. Pencils were introduced in to the
classroom in the beginning of 20th century which replaced the individual hand
held slate board. In 1905, stereoscope was invented and used to capture the
realistic image of people and surroundings. The audio video age began
around 1910 AD after the discovery of successful radio wave transmission by
Marconi.BBC radio was started in 1920. As a result, radio programs were
partially used in motivational way for teaching as one way communication.
Universities commenced to broadcast the educational radio programs. The craze
of establishing new radio stations was in rising trend. Till the end of 1922,
thirty radio stations transmitters and 6,000 receivers were actively in use in
Detroit and Pittsburgh in the United States (Ackerman, 1945, p.2). BBC launched its first adult education
in 1924 on 'Insects in Relation to Man' (Bates, 2015) Film strip projector was developed around mid 1920s and were used
to display silent movie and images in the classroom and they were
replaced by overhead projector that came to in use 1930s. The
usage of large scale overhead projector technologies can be marked at the time
of Second World War by the US to train and mediate their soldier through films
and projector. They were further used in the class room in place of film
strip projector. In 1950s, learning labs were set up to teach foreign languages
in the context of post World War II situation. In 1957, Skinner's
learning machine was developed and utilized to prepare lessons by the teachers
based on behaviorism learning theory. The age of information started from
1960s along with the invention of television. The televisions were used to
watch film and cartoon etc. VHS tape and VCR got invented by 1970. British
government established the Open University in 1969 and collaborated with BBC to
develop university program (Bates, 2015). In 1970, apple computer wad developed
which has great impact in education for long time. According to Bates (1985) , India began to deliver educational activities
through locally generated television programs in local languages with
the help of INSAT satellite. A computer assisted instruction system
called PLATO was invented in University of Illinois by 1970 with online concept
of discussion forum, chat rooms, instant message, screen sharing and
multiplayer games (Bates 2015). Audio tapes as well as the Computer Based
Learning (CBT) and Computer Assisted Instruction CAI) were practised through
1970s to 1990s. in the mid of 1970s, handheld held calculators were brought in
to use to solve mathematical problems. In 1980, PC with one CD room was
discovered. Graphing calculators were applied in engineering in late
1980s. First computer networking, Arpanet was developed to use internet protocol
in the USA in 1982. The first power point program was launched by Microsoft Company
as a presentation tool in 1987. Desktops were made available in the classroom
for the students as well in 1990s. The first smart board interactive whiteboard
was implemented in 1991 AD. The Digital era started during 1990s after the
innovation of internet technology. It made the easy and quick access to the
outer world connecting globally through faster and convenient way of
information and communication. The first web browser got discovered in 1993.World
Wide Web was launched in 1994 by Tim Bunerly which made easy access for
collection, simulation and collaboration of information. In late 1990s, Wiki,
Google and blog were developed which provide plenty of space for searching
data, read and write in the web and presentation .From 2000s, the interactive
age of technology commenced due to the discoveries modern technologies like
smart response LE/PE, Laptop, smart phones, document camera, smart response XE,
media apps, digital pen, i-pad, clickers etc . People can use these
technologies for learning& research in the global context to create diverse
and networking learning environment. Educational technologies in 21st century
include:
Pic.
source:- https://sites.google.com/site/adms647summer12/weekly-sessions/module-1/2-week-two-week-of-september-5/history-of-educational-technology/vandusen_erik_assignment1.jpg?attredirects=0
Digital Technology: The First Choice Of Learning in Recent Time
The traditional modes and practices of
teaching and learning seem to be outdated as they are unable to meet the
educational goals along with the invention of modern technologies. This kind of
system couldn't address the necessities of the of the learner in the recent era of information and communication technology. Consequently, the medium of teaching and learning is being gradually transformed to advanced technology including digital learning.
Digital technology is a part of
e-learning with most updated technologies which include
electronic tools or device, system, deices and resources which can
generate , process and store the data. It includes the computer, laptops,
internet, smart phones, smart board, projector, cameras, videos, web based game
apps and web 2.0 technologies. Digital technology converts the text in to e-text which has made easier to adapt and transfer of information n the globalized world. This technology has played the significant role in both physical classroom and virtual class room. It is equally effective in distance and open education system. Through this technology, teacher and learner get the opportunity to view the global activities in no time. That's why traditional teaching and learning system is advancing via digitalized technology where one can feel lively experience as a first choice of learning technology.
The use of technology depends on the way of development, tools, context, time, purpose, culture, society etc. We are better person to understand ourselves so the selection of the technology in classroom depends on the hand of teacher in relation to the concerning factor. However, implementing such type of modern gadgets in accordance with our
context and availability, various methods of e- learning can be applied in
educational system in a conscious and effective way. The decent use of
technology in education gears up the learning capability, speed and
implementation of knowledge in our day to day life. Different type learning
apps, mobiles games and proper us of social media are now being instrumental in
education.
References:
1.
Ackerman,
W. C. (1945). The dimensions of American broadcasting. The Public
Opinion Quarterly, 9(1), 1-18
2.
Bates, A. W. (1985) Broadcasting in
Education: An Evaluation London: Constables
3. Bates, A. W. (2015). Teaching in
a Digital Age: Guidelines for designing teaching and learning
4. . Richey, R. C., Silber, K. H., & Ely, D. P. (2008). Reflections
on the 2008 AECT Definitions of the Field. TechTrends, 52(1),
24-25.
5. Spector, J. M. (2015). Foundations of educational technology:
Integrative approaches and interdisciplinary perspectives. Routledge
6. http://edutech202.blogspot.com/2012/12/historical-development-of-educational.html
7. https://youtu.be/UFwWWsz_X9s
