How My Understanding of Educational Technology Was Shaped
A personal reflection on educational technology
My understanding of “educational technology” has been shaped by historical developments, constructivist philosophy, and the unique challenges faced in the educational system. In today’s era, educational technology is defined by using computers and digital tools in the classroom and expands beyond mere devices. To me, Educational technology is a framework of contemporary learning environments embedded with rapid technological advancements. In other words, It is an intentional integration of accessible and modern technology with our traditional educational pedagogies to create an engaging learning domain for our students. As an educator with years of experience teaching in my home country and now in Canada, I have observed the expeditious transition in educational technology and its transformative power in the classroom which has positively contributed to student’s learning journey.
The contemporary context of educational technology
In the modern context, educational technology can be defined as a fusion of digital tools, online platforms, and creative pedagogical methods to enhance the learning experience of students. This can include the use of different multimedia such as Canva, Google Classroom, pallet, Duolingo, and many others. In India, educational technology in schools has bridged gaps in delivering quality education and promoting active learning and the application of mobile-based learning platforms has helped students belonging to remote areas to access all these resources.
Historical Context: From Blackboards to Digital Classrooms
Growing up and teaching in India, I was familiar with conventional methods of teaching like blackboards, textbooks, and rote memorization were the standard. In my early years as a teacher, Technology was not a crucial part of the classroom environment. Over time, however, With the rise of internet access and affordable digital devices, there was a drastic shift in the schools that started assimilating digital tools into their teaching practices.
As I read in the book Tony Bates – A short history of educational technology the historical advancements in educational technology from basic computer labs to completely developed online learning platforms have influenced my approach. Early exposure to educational tools such as PowerPoint and digital projectors made me realize that technology is more than just a buzzword, it could make learning more interactive and engaging.
To conclude, the growth in internet access and mobile technology offers hope for expanding educational opportunities to underserved communities. Educational technology is not just about using gadgets or software—it’s about creating meaningful learning experiences that empower students to take control of their learning.
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Thank you for sharing your opinion on educational technology.
It’s very much correct that historically, EdTech has evolved from simple tools to complex digital systems. The constructivist philosophy, which emphasizes active learning and knowledge construction through experiences, aligns well with the capabilities of modern educational technologies. This theoretical perspective supports the use of technology to create interactive and engaging learning environments. The intentional integration of modern technology with traditional pedagogies enhances the learning environment and supports student engagement and success.
Hi Gagan, it was really interesting to know that how your understanding of educational technology has shaped over the years. As I am also born and brought up in India, so I can relate with your blog as how the education field has transformed their over a period of time as a result of technology. I agree with your view point that education technology has increased the opportunities for all the individuals and will help the students from different backgrounds to take control over their learning journey.
Thanks
Ayushi