Unit 1: Defining Educational Technology

Overview

Educational Technology is a field that is constantly growing and evolving, with many different specialties emerging. Considering the speed of technology change over the last 20 years, EdTech professionals are going to be more and more in demand to support and encourage educators, principals, and administration on the use of technology to promote learning.  Coming into this field, it is important to understand not only the applications of learning but one’s own motivation for traveling down this road.  

Performance outcomes

• Candidates will present a personal definition of Educational Technology and the role that technology plays in student learning and in their own professional careers 

What will you do?

1. Use the links provided as well as other means (Social Media PLN, etc.) to research and define Educational Technology as a whole.

2. Present 3 or more areas of education that Educational Technology affects or has an effect on in the Virtual Classroom or Discussion Forum. 

3. Watch the YouTube video “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” by Simon Sinek in the Activity Resources and define your personal why for being an EdTech professional, including the role of technology in learning. Share your Why with the cohort in the Virtual Classroom or the Discussion Forum. 

4. Create a video presentation that includes 1-3. This video should be a mixture of screencast and talking head with other effects and additions.  The video should be no longer than 5 minutes.

Report requirements

• Video presenting personal definition of Educational Technology and role of technology in learning and your own professional career

Notes

Take some time to review the Academic Writing Skills and APA formatting video playlist. You will need to follow those guidelines for all the writing assignments in your Master's specialization area modules.