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Article about Educational Technology2

Educational technology, which is also known as e-learning, instructional


technology and learning technology, is the use of technology in support of the
learning process. It can refer to all kinds of analogue technologies, such as
photographs, video, audio recordings and film, but it is generally used
specifically in relation to digital computer technology.
Technology is widely used for student records, marketing, finance and
procurement as part of the administration and management of education as
well as in research. However, educational technology only relates to technology
which affects the learning process by facilitating communication, delivering
learning materials, or providing assessment and feedback, or in any other way.
Some use the word technology to mean hardware but those working in the field
of educational technology use it to refer to the systematic use of scientific
means to solve problems.
Educational technology properly is used to refer to a particular approach
to achieving educational ends, while the specific use of such technological
processes for teaching and learning is called instructional technology.
Instructional development and educational media are other terms which refer
to particular parts of this field, but are used by some to refer to the field as a
whole.
Educational technology is essentially a 20th century movement, where the
major developments occurred during and immediately after World War II (1939
to 1945). At first, an emphasis was placed on audio-visual communications
media and the focus gradually turned to the systematic development of
teaching and learning procedures based in behavioral psychology. Cognitive
psychology, psychometrics, perception psychology and management, and
social psychology are also among the major contributing fields. Computer
assisted learning programs were available in education as early as the 1980s.
One of the benefits of educational technology is that learning resources
are available globally and without any time restrictions, while traditional
courses classes are held at a particular time in a particular venue. Learners
using educational technology can also access materials in order they find
appropriate and return repeatedly to a particular item, the pace of the learning
process is not determined by an instructor as it is with traditional classes.
Technology also offers a variety of ways to deliver learning and the learning
experience is unique for every learner.

Technology can help to make the process of learning more active than in
traditional education. Learners are engaged in the process and learn through
experience. Learners can use Computer Based Assessment to get instant
feedback and for self-diagnosis, while it can also save time and effort for
educators. However, educational technology also has certain limitations. The
benefits of working with real objects can never be replaced by simulations.
Technology offers learner-centered learning, which means learners are more
responsible for their progress so they still need to work in the process.
Technology also cannot replace the human element. The instructor is now
acting more as a guide to the learner instead of being the ultimate source of
information and leader of the process, which means his or her role has changed
but is not removed. The benefits to the pupils of interaction with instructors and
fellow students, whether physical or virtual, remain.
Technologies used in education include preschool software, which are
computer programs and systems helping preschoolers learn to read, write and
conceptualize. Educational software includes computer programs that make it
possible for children to learn spelling, math, geography and other subjects, with
learning often being in the form of a game. There is software for both individual
and collaborative learning.
Computer simulations are made possible by programs with sophisticated
graphics and commands. They enable a child to practice real-world knowledge
as well as decision-making skills. Children can also use e-mail to communicate
with scientists, teachers, fellow students and friends around the world. Thanks
to the Internet and online services, children can access vast amounts of
information in databases and they can also use online boards to interact with
other people.
There are new creative tools that allow children to design their original art
and use their imagination in various ways. Live television connections through
cable, computer or satellite make it possible for students in remote locations to
take classes or visit museums and libraries. Electronic portfolios enable
teachers to keep electronic records of a child's work, which can also be easily
accessible for students.
It is important to study about technology in order for you to know the
proper use of computer, function of it, and the benefits of technology. We are
now in a Modern Period and since the technology now is high and we have to
adapt.

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