1.1 Educational and Instructional Technology–Meaning, Nature, Scope, Definition, Objectives and Significance 

1.1 Educational and Instructional Technology – Meaning, Nature, Scope, Definition, Objectives and Significance 

Educational and instructional technology (EIT) is a field that combines educational theory and practice with technology to enhance learning. It involves the use of various technological tools and resources to improve teaching and learning processes.

Meaning and Nature:

• Meaning: EIT refers to the application of technology to education to improve teaching, learning, and assessment.

• Nature: EIT is interdisciplinary, drawing from fields such as education, psychology, instructional design, and technology. It is characterized by its focus on learner-centered approaches, effective use of technology, and evidence-based practices.

Scope:

EIT encompasses a wide range of technological tools and resources, including:

• Hardware: Computers, tablets, smartphones, projectors, interactive whiteboards, and other electronic devices.

• Software: Educational software, learning management systems (LMS), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and simulations.

• Online resources: E-books, online courses, webinars, and digital libraries.

• Networking and communication tools: Email, video conferencing, and social media.

Definition:

Educational and instructional technology is the effective use of technology to improve teaching, learning, and assessment in educational settings. It involves the design, development, utilization, and evaluation of technological tools and resources to enhance student learning outcomes.

Objectives:

The primary objectives of EIT are to:

• Improve teaching and learning: Enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of teaching and learning processes.

• Provide personalized learning experiences: Tailor instruction to meet the individual needs of learners.

• Promote active and collaborative learning: Encourage students to engage in active and collaborative learning activities.

• Enhance access to education: Expand access to educational opportunities for learners in diverse contexts.

• Develop technological literacy: Equip learners with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively.

Significance:

EIT has become increasingly significant in today's educational landscape due to several factors:

• Technological advancements: Rapid advancements in technology have made it possible to develop innovative tools and resources for education.

• Global connectivity: The internet has connected people from all over the world, enabling access to a vast array of educational resources.

• Changing learner needs: Learners today have different expectations and preferences compared to previous generations, and technology can help meet these needs.

• Economic benefits: EIT can help improve educational outcomes, leading to increased economic productivity and social development.

In conclusion, educational and instructional technology is a powerful tool that can transform teaching and learning. By effectively utilizing technology, educators can create engaging, personalized, and effective learning experiences for students.

The Five generations of ET

1.   The Gurukul System  of et

2.   Institutional based class room oriented et

3.   Distance  learning or independent learning

4.   Use of media and computers in education and training

5.  Internet based learning

Commission on Instructional Technology, U.S.A.

“Educational technology is a systematic way of designing, implementing and evaluating the total process of learning and teaching in terms of specific objectives, based on research in human learning and communication and employing a combination of human and non-human resources to bring about more effective instruction.”

Learning Objectives of Educational Technology

·  To identify the educational requirements and desires of the community.

·  To understand the structure of education, board strategies, and its goals.

·  To design and develop curriculums involving art, science and human values.

·  To support strategies and human resources and material assets with the mission to achieve determined goals.

·  To create appropriate aids and instruments supporting educational purposes.

·  To design educational technology model scaffolding to improve the existing process of teaching and learning.

·  To identify and find remedies to tackle environmental constraints.

·     To expand and support educational opportunities for people around the world, especially the neglected sections of the community.

·  Tomanagetheentireeducationalsystemstarting from planning to execution, implementation, and evaluation.

Scope

The objectives of educational technology are process-oriented. The use of educational technology is not restricted to teaching and learning methodologies and theories, but to provide in-depth assistance in the development of an individual’s personality. Below is a list on the wide scope of education technology:

·         Educational technology makes the teaching-learning process more efficient and process-oriented.

·         Mechanical and electronic gadgets can be readily utilized for educational requirements.

·    Educational technology has improved the learning process for students with the help of teaching aids and programme instructional material, etc.

· Traditional mediums like television, radio, tape-recorder, V.C.R, and computers can be used to impart distance and correspondence education.

·         The advancement of the internet has increased education dissemination all over the world with much ease.

·         Mechanism of feedback through the use of technology improves the quality of teachers training in academic institutions.

·       Technology-driven innovative analytical tools and instruments can help in solving educational and administrative problems.

·         Educational technology serves to develop and understand the structure and nature of teaching.

·         Best utilization of education technology supports the scientific foundation and new discoveries.

The Nature of Educational Technology

·         To understand the nature  of educational technology, let us try to view from the following angles:

·         Evolution of the concepts of educational technology.

·         Existing positions and latest concepts.

·         Distinction from there lated concepts

Uses Of Educational Technology

·               Effective instruction

·         Facilitating individual differences

·         Providing equal educational opportunities

·         Preservation of knowledge

·         Transmission of knowledge

·         Imparting quality education

·         Educational planning

·         Pre-service and in-service teacher education

·         Finding solutions for Indian educational system

Three main types of technology strategies used for children with special needs: “low” technology, “mid” technology, and “high” technology.

“low” technology

·         Not battery powered or electronically operated.

·         “Low” technology strategies are usually low in cost and easy to use.

·      Picture Exchange Communication Systems, Dry Erase Boards, Clip Boards, Laminated Photographs, Manipulative/Objects.

·         Aim:- to enhance expressive and receptive communication skills

“Mid” technology

·      Require the use of batteries or basic electronic devices such as Voice Output Communication Aids-Big Mack, Talk pad, voice in box

·         (piece of equipment that records voice and activated by touch)

·         Language Master (cards with recordable strips are run through the machine),Tape Recorders, Braille Embosser

·         Aim:- to increase classroom participation, to focus attention on various skill areas, and assist in the development of social skills.

“High” technology

·         Usually the most expensive and complex to use.

·         Video Taping, Computers,

·     Adaptive Hardware, Touch Window, Big Keys, Trackballs, Software, Accessory Equipment, Digital Cameras, and Scanners.

·         Aim:- to increase Receptive Language Skills, Expressive Language Skills, Emotions, Social Skills, Non verbal Cues, Scripts, Self-help Skills, and Academics, Writing skills, creating written stories

Instructional Technology: Instructional technology is the branch of education concerned with the scientific study of instructional design and development. The main purpose of instructional designers is to create engaging, effective learning experiences.

“Instructional Technology is the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning” – Association for Educational Communications and Technology

Scope of Instructional Technology

·         Determination of Objectives

·         Improvement in Teaching Learning Process: 3. Development of Teaching Learning Material

·         Improvement in Teaching Training

·         Development of Teaching Learning Strategies

·         Proper Use of Audio-Visual Aids

·         Utilization of the Sub-System of Education

·         Development of Curriculum

·         Proper Use of Hardware and Software

·         Provides Feedback