EM507: CURRENT TRENDS, ISSUES AND PROBLEMS IN EDUCATION

TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION
I. Concepts and Definitions

Definition of Technology

1. application of tools and methods: the study, development, and application of devices, machines, and
techniques for manufacturing and productive processes
2. method of applying technical knowledge: a method or methodology that applies technical
knowledge or tools
3. anthropology sum of a society’s or culture’s knowledge: the sum of a society’s or culture’s
practical knowledge, especially with reference to its material culture
[Early 17th century. From Greek tekhnologia , literally “systematic treatment,” literally “science of craft,”
from tekhnē “art, craft.”]
Source: Microsoft® Encarta® Reference Library 2003.

Technology in Education vs. Technology of Education

Technology in Education is the popular impression of audio visual aids. In the early phase of
development of technology in education, the important side was the hardware side.

The need to identify a sound educational basis for the development of suitable software led to a
change in thinking in that educational technology evolved all aspects of the design of teaching and
learning situations. This led to a broader interpretation of educational technology, as the entire
Technology of Education rather than the use of Technology in Education.

Educational Technology
The study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating,
using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources. (Association for
Educational Communications and Technology

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. (Commission on Instructional Technology, USA.)

Instructional Technology is a subset of educational technology since instruction is a part of

education.

Seels & Richey (p.9, 1994) defined instructional technology as “the theory and practice of design,
development, utilization, management and evaluation of processes and resources of learning. Some
developers of programmed instruction called it technology for learning.

The term technologies for learning is used to refer to both the products and the process of
technology as they are applied to human learning.
II. Background and Historical Highlights

THE EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

Technology has always been at the forefront of human education. From the days of carving
figures on rock walls to today, when most students are equipped with several portable
technological devices at any given time, technology continues to push educational capabilities
to new levels. In looking at where educational methods and tools have come from to where
they are going in the future, technology’s importance in the classroom is evident now more
than ever.

A HISTORY OF CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY

THE PRIMITIVE CLASSROOM

In the Colonial years, wooden paddles with printed lessons, called Horn-Books, were used to
assist students in learning verses. Over 200 years later, in 1870, technology advanced to
include the Magic Lantern, a primitive version of a slide projector that projected images printed
on glass plates. By the time World War I ended, around 8,000 lantern slides were circulating
through the Chicago public school system. By the time the Chalkboard came around in 1890,
followed by the pencil in 1900, it was clear that students were hungry for more advanced
educational tools.

Radio in the 1920s sparked an entirely new wave of learning; on-air classes began popping up
for any student within listening range.
Next came the overhead projector in 1930, followed by the ballpoint pen in 1940 and
headphones in 1950.
Videotapes arrived on the scene in 1951, creating a new and exciting method of instruction.
The Skinner Teaching Machine produced a combined system of teaching and testing,
providing reinforcement for correct answers so that the student can move on to the next
lesson.
The photocopier (1959) and handheld calculator (1972) entered the classrooms next, allowing
for mass production of material on the fly and quick mathematical calculations.
The Scantron system of testing, introduced by Michael Sokolski n 1972, allowed educators to
grade tests more quickly and efficiently.
The pre-computer years were formative in the choices made for computers in the years
following. Immediate response-type systems (video, calculator, Scantron) had become
necessary, and quick production of teaching materials, using the photocopier, had become a
standard. The U.S. Department of Education reports that high school enrollment was only 10%
in 1900, but by 1992 had expanded to 95%. The number of students in college in 1930 was
around 1 million, but by 2012 had grown to a record 21.6 million. Teachers needed new
methods of instruction and testing, and students were looking for new ways to communicate,
study, and learn.

THE ENTRANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF PERSONAL COMPUTERS

Although the first computers were developed in the ‘30s, everyday-use computers were
introduced in the ‘80s. The first portable computer, in 1981, weighed 24 pounds and cost
$1,795. When IBM introduced its first personal computer in 1981, the educational world knew
that it was on the verge of greatness. Time magazine named The Computer its “Man of the
Year” in 1982, and aptly so: the foundation of immediate learning capabilities had been laid.
Time declared, “it is the end result of a technological revolution that has been in the making for
four decades and is now, quite literally, hitting home.”

Toshiba released its first mass-market consumer laptop in 1985 (the T1100), and Apple’s
infamous Mac (which later evolved into the Powerbook) was available starting in 1984.
In 1990, The World Wide Web was given life when a British researcher developed Hyper Text
Markup Language, or HTML, and when the National Science Foundation (NSF) removed
restrictions on the commercial use of the Internet in 1993, the world exploded into a frenzy of
newfound research and communication methods.
The first Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) were released by Apple Computer Inc. in 1993,
and with that, computers were a part of every day, if not every moment. By 2009, 97% of
classrooms had one or more computers, and 93% of classroom computers had Internet
access. For every 5 students, there was one computer. Instructors stated that 40% of students
used computers often in their educational methods, in addition to interactive whiteboards and
digital cameras. College students nowadays are rarely without some form of computer
technology: 83% own a laptop, and over 50% have a Smartphone.

THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

It seems like years since MySpace, first introduced in 2003, Facebook (2004) and Twitter
(2007) have changed both the communication and business worlds. Instant connectivity has
branched out from merely a tool of personal communication, to a platform for educational
instruction and outreach. Social media is now being recognized as an accepted form of
instruction in some instances, and groups such as Scholastic Teachers provide excellent
support and tips for instructors. Many instructors use social media to communicate directly with
their students, or to form forum-style groups for students to communicate with each other, and
the method seems to be proving valuable in providing one-on-one attention to student’s
questions and concerns.

With the classroom having already evolved into a hotbed of technological advances, what can
the future possibly hold that could further educational proficiencies even more?

Biometrics, a technology that recognizes people based on certain physical or behavioral traits,
is on the technological horizon. The science will be used to recognize the physical and
emotional disposition of students in the classroom, altering course material to tailor to each
individual’s needs based on biometric signals.
A second up-and-coming technology is Augmented Reality (AR) glasses, rumored to be on
Google’s release list, and this technology could be a whole new world for education. AR
Glasses (or even contact lenses) will layer data on top of what we naturally see, to allow for a
real-world learning experience. For example, a student wearing AR Glasses could potentially
sit at his desk and have a conversation with Thomas Edison about invention. It was Edison,
after all, who said that “Books will soon be obsolete in schools. Scholars will soon be instructed
through the eye.”
Multi-touch surfaces are commonly used through equipment such as the iPhone, but the
technology could become more relevant to education through entirely multi-touch surfaces,
such as desks or workstations. This could allow students to collaborate with other students,
even those around the world, and videos and other virtual tools could be streamed directly to
the surface.
 EDUCATORS AND THE EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

With the evolution of technology, educational capabilities are growing and changing every day.
The Internet is a vast electronic library of information, and both research and instruction can be
achieved through a click of the mouse. With these advances come new responsibilities to the
instructor and therefore increase the value of a Master’s of Science in Education in Learning
Design and Technology. As technology advances, an educator’s abilities will grow by leaps
and bounds, and without the knowledge of these changes and capabilities, an instructor has a
good chance of being left behind.

A career in education requires hard work and dedication, but, for the diligent educator, can
prove very rewarding. For those who are serious about success in the education field, staying
well-informed of current and changing technologies is imperative. As the world of technology
evolves, the learning environment, both on-campus and online, will equally progress, and the
need for teachers who are educated in technology and design will continue to grow.

III. Systems and Applications of Technology in Education

a. Management Information System

i. Decision Support System
ii. Procurement and Inventory
iii. Human Resource Management System
iv. Financial and Accounting System
v. Student Information System
vi. Library System and
vii. Other related services
b. Instructional Delivery Systems & Applications
i. Multimedia
ii. E-learning
iii. Blended Learning
iv. Distance Learning
v. Computer-Aided Instruction (CAI)
vi. Computer Managed Instruction (CMI)
vii. Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)
viii. Web-Based Training (WBT)

IV. General Benefits and Advantages of Technology in Education

a. Access to information
Many years ago we couldn’t imagine that we can get to know new information without going
out of the house. Mothers examined new recipes from the book that they borrow in the
libraries. Fathers bought newspapers to learn the updated information from business, economy
and society. Students all evenings spent in the libraries to write the report, project or academic
paper. Today information is easily accessed thanks to the internet . Meanwhile, online courses
are accessible to the students who are unable to attend traditional educational buildings
because of health or other complications. It is a convenient way to study.
b. Help in protecting the environment
 There are thousands of schools in every country. And it is a compulsory institution in every
distant village. Now could you imagine how billions of paper we use to publish new books and
copybooks. Due to technology in education, we are not to buy all these books. Actually, there
now schools that were switched to the use designing computers for their lessons and libraries.
It saves money and time when used thoughtfully.
c. Increase the popularity of distance learning
With development of such inventions like the internet, the popularity with educational
technology is growing every day. Nowadays it is one of the most preferred methods of
learning. Traditional lessons have been supplemented by virtual ones. Online classes include
transferring files, chat rooms and even board of progress to follow the students’ success.
Another benefit is that students can maintain a flexible schedule that is convenient for them
(anytime, anywhere learning). It helps to combine distance education and work.
d. Easiness in teaching
There are various ways of improving teaching efficiency with technology in education. Thanks
to the technology they have more than one way to keep an eye on the student’s progress.
Moreover audio-visual presentation, wide-screen televisions, projectors can be used for
improving the delivery of instruction to actually improve learning and increasing the
comprehension level among the students.
e. Technology makes education enjoyable
We all know how difficult to engage the children in learning. However they enjoy the process
when the instructor uses white board or touch screen technology in order to make classes
more interactive and interesting. In that way it’s easy to attract the kid’s attention. By the way,
the involving technology in the educational process makes education more enjoyable both for
the instructors and the learners.
We shouldn’t underestimate the possibilities of educational technology in our modern society.
Nowadays virtual classes are preferred by people all over the world. This form of education is
really enjoyed by children, and many students have recently graduated from virtual High
Schools.
f. Promotes Independent Learning for the Students
Students can already learn from their own even without the assistance of their parents and
teachers. They are just going to surf the internet in order to look for the lessons they need to
study. Quick accessibility and well-equipped with the skills and knowledge in operating a
computer would be very helpful for the students.

g. Promotes Exciting Way to Educate Students

Since there are lots of images, videos and other graphics and text that may be found in your
computer, more students would feel the excitement in studying through the use of the gadget.
This is very important in order to arouse their interest in studying.

Technology inside the classroom

a. Using technology in the classroom allows you to experiment more in pedagogy.
 As an academic professional, you’ll learn more about how to effectively design and
execute a class guided with technology. Whether it’s a dramatic change such as teaching
with a flipped-classroom, or just adopting a single tool for a specific project or term, you’ll
learn something new in modern academia! Being well-versed in technology can also help
build your credibility with students, and even with fellow colleagues.

b. There are countless resources for enhancing education and making learning more
fun and effective.

From apps to organizational platforms to e-textbooks and more, there are many amazing
tools that can help you. In my recent article Top Ten EdTech Tools to Set Your Class Up
for Success, I highlight tools that will help both students and professors alike collaborate,
share ideas, stay organized, and more to get the most out of learning.

c. Technology can automate a lot of your tedious tasks.

As highlighted in my Top Ten EdTech Tools list (above), there are engagement tools like
Top Hat that can automate grading for you and keep track of student performance.
Similarly, tools like Top Hat can help you streamline grading for writing assignments,
discussions, and participation, and answering common student questions, which otherwise
can seem daunting due to their objective nature.
d. Your class has instant access to information that can supplement their learning
experience.
It shifts the classroom experience from the sage-on-a-stage approach to a more
collaborative environment. Imagine that your student raises her hand and says, “I know
exactly what you mean! I saw a similar case on YouTube last week. May I share it with the
class?” Student rushes to the lectern, finds it on Youtube, and everyone (including you!)
learns something new. Researching on the spot becomes easier. Here are 11 Ways to
Use the Internet in Your Classroom, which range from research to inviting remote
speakers in virtually and beyond.
e. Students can learn life skills through technology.
Creating presentations, learning to differentiate reliable from unreliable sources on the
Internet, maintaining proper online etiquette, and writing emails; these are all vital skills
that your students can learn in the classroom and master before graduation.
f. We live in a digital world.
Neither you, nor your students, should go back to the 19th century when they walk into
your classroom. Using technology in the classroom can prepare your students for a future
deeply rooted in technology.

V. Issues, Problems and Drawbacks

Digital Divide
Copyright and plagiarism
Cybercrime
ICT Budget and Procurement
Corruption

Problems and Disadvantages of technology in the classroom

a. Technology can be a distraction.

This makes the notion of creating a structure and culture of respect all the more important
since day one. Identify specific projects, times during class, and the specific intentions you
have for allowing the use of technology in the classroom. Creating expectations and
guidelines for the students, and sticking to them, will be important for them in respecting
your boundaries. It will be better to use technology that students already have
(smartphones, laptops, etc.) for good and valuable learning experiences, rather than
pretend like those devices aren’t present in your class in the first place.

b. Possible disconnect of social interaction.

This can happen, but it doesn’t have to. Many people are skeptical of technology and what
it does to students’ (and everyone else’s) ability to verbally communicate. If you create
assignments in class that use both technological tools as well as oral presentations and
collaboration, this will teach students to be dynamic in how they learn and interact with
others. If you teach on online course and struggle with the culture and communication part
of it, check out my article How to Build a Community in Your Online Course.

c. Technology can foster more cheating in class and on assignments.

However, this will only happen if you give up hope on adjusting your students’ attitudes
and only give them subjective assignments that require no thought or perspective. My
colleague recently published an excellent article on How to Prevent Cheating in Your
Class.

d. Students do not have equal access to technological resources.

There will be students who do not have iPads or cameras or even the textbooks for class.
It will be up to you to point them in the direction of the library or community resources, or to
create assignments that allow them to work in groups and share resources. That being
said, close to 95% student have some sort of technology devices, even if it’s just a cell
phone. While resources often come at a cost, we did come up with a list of 7 Free
Classroom Tech Tools You Need Know.

e. The quality of research and sources they find may not be top-notch.

The internet is both a blessing and a curse. Your students may need some guidance on
identifying proper sources and unreliable sources. Many campuses have writing centers
that can help with this.

f. Lesson planning can become more labor intensive with technology.

 Yes, for some. It can seem overwhelming to adapt technology into your classroom. In
many ways though, using technology can become as natural to you as any daily activity.
Allow yourself time to learn how to use something. Chances are your students will learn it
even faster than you since they’ve grown up surrounded by technology.

g. Laziness in Studying

Computers make is so easy to find answers that students barely have to look for them.
This may result in them having poor study habits and developing a lazy attitude toward
their education.

h. Forgetting the Basic Way of Studying

They would no longer rely on the books that are lent by their teachers for them to study
since they are already interested to study using the computer. Even simple problems and
homework that they need to answer, they are more of seeking the assistance of computers
already.

i. Discovering Unusual Things in the Computer

Allowing the students to surf the internet doesn’t necessarily mean that all the things that
they are going to discover are good for their mind and studies. There are several things
that are found in the internet which are not good for the students hence they need to be
properly guided by their teachers and parents every time they are going to use the
computer.

VI. Recommendations and Solutions

(FOR DISCUSSION INSIDE THE CLASSROOM)

References:

Heinich R. et. al., 2002, Instructional Media and Technologies for Learning, 7ed., Prentice Hall, Upper
Saddle River, New Jersey

Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2003.

Montano, Jean (2015), The 6 Pros & Cons of Using Technology in Your Classroom, Top Hat Monocle, Inc.
http://blog.tophat.com/6-pros-cons-using-technology-classroom/

Occupy Theory (2014), Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Education

http://occupytheory.org/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-technology-in-education/

Purdue University Online (2016) The Evolution of Technology in the Classroom

http://online.purdue.edu/ldt/learning-design-technology/resources/evolution-technology-classroom
Robinson, Rhonda; Molenda, Michael; Rezabek, Landra. (200?) "Facilitating Learning". Association for
Educational Communications and Technology.

Seels & Richey, (1994), Instructional Technology: The Definition and Domains of the Field, Association for
Educational Communications and Technology

Smith, Paul, (2013), Great Benefits of Technology in Education, EdTech Review

http://edtechreview.in/news/705-benefits-of-technology-in-education

For further Readings:

Reynolds, George, 2007, Ethics in Information Technology, 2nd Ed., Cengage Learning, Boston

Related Sites:

The Encyclopedia of Educational Technology http://coe.sdsu.edu/eet/

International Journal of Educational Technology
Educational Technology Review
National Educational Standards
Educational Technology & Society
Educational Technology
http://www.ao.uiuc.edu.ijet
http://www.aace.org/pubs/etr/issue4/harper.cfm
http://cnets.iste.org
http://ifets.ieee.org/periodical/Australasian Journal of
http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet.html