The Scope Of Educational Technology

 

Scope of Educational Technology According to AECT

According to the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), educational technology encompasses a variety of processes that integrate various tools and methods to facilitate, enhance, and deepen learning experiences effectively. Educational technology is a discipline that focuses on the use of technology in learning and teaching and refers to ongoing studies to improve learning effectiveness.

The following is the scope of educational technology based on AECT guidelines:

1. Development of Learning Media and Tools

Educational technology includes the development and use of various types of learning media that strengthen the learning process, such as video, audio, images, animation, and simulations.

Learning technology tools include projectors, computers, interactive boards, smartphones, tablets, and special software that help enrich the learning experience.

The use of digital media aims to facilitate the delivery of material and visualize concepts, so that students can understand the material better.

2. Learning Design and Planning

• Learning Design: A systematic planning process to achieve learning goals with a technology-based approach. Learning design includes analyzing learning needs, formulating learning objectives, designing materials, and developing evaluation strategies.
• Technology-Based Learning Models: Models such as e-learning, blended learning, and flipped classrooms are designed to meet the different needs of students and provide flexibility in learning.

The goal of learning design and planning is to create an engaging and interactive learning experience and ensure that each element of learning helps students achieve the expected learning outcomes.

3. Development of Digital Learning Resources and Content

Digital resources include various learning content, such as e-learning modules, video-based materials, infographics, learning applications, and e-books.

The development of a Learning Management System (LMS), such as Google Classroom, Moodle, or Edmodo, is part of educational technology that allows management, administration, and supervision of the online learning process.

The creation of digital learning resources aims to increase accessibility and flexibility of learning, allowing students to learn anytime and anywhere.

4. Evaluation and Analysis of Learning

• Educational technology also includes aspects of learning evaluation that involve assessing the effectiveness of the learning process. Evaluation is carried out using various methods, such as online tests, interactive quizzes, surveys, and digital assessments.
• Educational Analytics: Learning data analysis is used to understand students’ learning patterns, monitor their progress, and tailor learning to individual needs.

Technology-based assessments enable faster and more accurate measurement of learning outcomes, providing teachers and educators with valuable insights to improve the quality of teaching.

5. Research and Development of New Technologies in Education

The scope of educational technology includes research and development of new technologies to support innovation in the teaching and learning process.

Examples of new technologies developing in education are Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), which enable the creation of simulations and learning environments that are more realistic and interactive.

This research and development seeks to find solutions that can improve the quality of learning and create deeper and more relevant learning experiences for students.

6. Management and Administration of Educational Technology

Educational technology includes the use of technology to manage educational systems, such as student data management, curriculum development, and reporting.

Technology also simplifies educational administration with technology-based management systems, which help schools, students, and parents in communicating and managing the teaching and learning process.

This system enables more efficient, transparent, and easily accessible education management for all stakeholders.

References : 

Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). (2004). The Definition of Educational Technology. AECT Publications.
Seels, B., & Richey, R. C. (1994). Instructional Technology: The Definition and Domains of the Field. Washington, D.C.: AECT.
Januszewski, A., & Molenda, M. (2008). Educational Technology: A Definition with Commentary. New York: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Reiser, R. A., & Dempsey, J. V. (2017). Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology. Boston: Pearson.
Molenda, M. (2008). "Historical Foundations." In J. M. Spector et al. (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Educational Communications and Technology. New York: Springer.