Chapter 1

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Education is a broad term that is related to knowledge, experience, learning. and teaching. It is a
process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits that enable an individual to
develop and grow throughout their life, for themselves or for the betterment of society.
Education encompasses various forms of learning, such as basic education, humanistic
education, technical education, vocational education, financial education, social education,
science, and technology education, and more.
The ultimate purpose of education is to contribute to the cognitive development of an individual,
the advancement of society, and to make a significant contribution to social, economic, and
political development. Education is a process that not only helps us gain new knowledge and
achievements but also helps us develop our thoughts, emotions. opinions, and perspectives.
Education plays a crucial role in the overall development of individuals and societies. It helps
individuals to develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and
communication skills, which are necessary for personal and professional growth. Education also
contributes to the social, economic, and cultural development of societies by producing a skilled
and knowledgeable workforce, promoting scientific and technological advancements, and
preserving cultural heritage.
The goal of education is to enable individuals to lead a fulfilling life, contribute to the
development of society, and make informed decisions for the betterment of themselves and their
communities.
Technology used in education is the hybridization of computer hardware, software, and
educational theory and practice. The sector of businesses that produce educational technology is
sometimes referred to by its abbreviation, edtech. A children can let their imaginations run free
on the platform known as BYJU’S, Planet Spark, up Grad, unacademy, toppr, Coursera, Code
Young and many more. Students are instructed to be imaginative, creative, and to use coding in
the most bizarre ways. A children can let their imaginations run free on these platforms. Students
are instructed to apply coding in the most unexpected ways while still being creative and
imaginative.

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1.1 OVERVIEW OF THE RISE OF EDTECH AND ITS RELEVANCE IN THE IT
ERA

A. The Evolution of Educational Technology (EdTech)

The concept of using technology in education dates to the early 20th century with audiovisual
aids, but it was the emergence of personal computers and the internet in the late 20th century
that transformed the field. This era introduced computer-based learning programs, laying the
foundation for modern EdTech.
The rise of the internet in the 1990s enabled the development of web-based learning platforms,
such as Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Blackboard and Moodle, which facilitated
online access to course materials and tracking of student progress.
The 2000s and 2010s witnessed exponential growth in Ed-Tech, driven by advancements in IT
infrastructure, the proliferation of smartphones, and cloud computing. Massive Open Online
Courses (MOOCs) like Coursera and edX democratized education, offering access to high-
quality courses from prestigious institutions to millions of learners worldwide.

B. Key Drivers of EdTech in the IT Era

Several factors have driven the rise of EdTech in the modern IT era:
Digital Transformation: The adoption of digital tools in education has become essential as
schools, colleges, and universities integrate technology into their curricula to enhance learning
and adapt to a changing world.
Global Connectivity: Increased broadband and mobile internet access have allowed students in
remote and underserved areas to access educational resources, fostering a more inclusive and
global educational landscape.
Advancements in AI and Machine Learning: AI-driven Ed-Tech solutions, such as personalized
learning platforms and adaptive systems, offer customized learning experiences by analyzing
student data to address individual needs.
Cloud Computing: Cloud-based platforms enable vast storage and access to educational content,
facilitating collaborative learning environments where students and teachers can interact in real-
time, regardless of location.

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COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic accelerated Ed-Tech adoption as institutions rapidly
integrated various tools for remote learning, underscoring the need for flexible and scalable
educational technologies.

C. The Relevance of EdTech in the IT Era

In today's IT-driven world, Ed-Tech has become more than just a supplementary tool; it is a
central component of modern education. Its relevance can be understood through several key
aspects:
Access and Inclusivity: Ed-Tech platforms have broken down geographical, economic, and
social barriers to education.
Personalized Learning: Ed-Tech tools enable personalized learning experiences, where students
can learn at their own pace and according to their individual needs.
Skill Development for the Digital Economy: As the economy becomes more digitized, there is a
growing demand for skills in IT, data science, digital marketing, and other tech-related fields.
Lifelong Learning: The rapid pace of technological change means that continuous learning is
essential.
Global Collaboration and Innovation: Ed-Tech fosters global collaboration among students,
educators, and institutions, leading to the exchange of ideas and the creation of innovative
solutions to educational challenges.
Sustainability: Ed-Tech reduces the need for physical resources like paper and buildings,
contributing to more sustainable educational practices.

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1.2 ED-TECH COMPANIES

BYJU’S
In India, BYJU was founded in 2011 with the intention of giving all students access to a top-
notch education. About 150 million students worldwide have access to highly adaptive,
engaging, and effective learning solutions, BYJU'S provides a top-notch learning experience
with technologies that sit at the confluence of mobile, interactive content, and customized
learning methodologies. Utilising visual and contextual programming that adapt to the unique
learning style, skill level, and rate of each student. Additionally, we have collaborative ties with
some of the most well-known companies in the world, such as Disney and Google, to boost
engagement and assist even more students in becoming active and lifelong learners.
A freemium education tutoring software called Byju's offers free access to information for 15
days after enrollment. It was released in August 2015 and provides resources for students in
classes four through twelve. A programme for early learning was launched in 2019 for classes
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one through three. Additionally, it prepares students for Indian examinations like the IIT-JEE,
NEET, CAT, and IAS as well as international tests like the GRE and GMAT.

Planet Spark
With the use of cutting-edge technology, the Planet Spark platform offers K8 children live
online workshops in creative writing and public speaking.
Through live classes on the online platform Planet Spark, kids may learn and develop 'new age'
skills. We have the backing of FIITJEE, Indian Angel Network, Hyderabad Angels, and Lead
Angels. The platform uses cutting-edge technology to deliver live online lessons to K8 children
on subjects including public speaking, robotics, coding, mental math’s, STEM courses, and
other "new age" skills. Planet Spark wants to make the outdated and disorganized traditional
tuition obsolete through its online classroom.
The Planet Spark platform provides K8 kids with live online classes on subjects including
English communication, public speaking, grammar, creative writing, debating, vlogging, and
other "new age" abilities. This is all done with the use of cutting-edge technology. Planet Spark
seeks to replace traditional and disorganized tuition through its online learning environment.
Planet Spark works with competent housewives who are enthusiastic about education, have a
fantastic personality, strong talents, and adequate teaching experience to develop "Teach from
Home" Homepreneurs. The Teachers are prepared to open their own home-based educational
facilities, which are totally backed by Planet's technology, marketing, and content.

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Great Minds
Great Minds PBC is a public benefit corporation and a subsidiary of Great Minds, a nonprofit
organization. A group of education leaders founded Great Minds® in 2007 to advocate for a
more content-rich, comprehensive education for all children. In pursuit of that mission, Great
Minds brings together teachers and scholars to create exemplary instructional materials that
provide joyful rigor to learning, spark and reward curiosity, and impart knowledge with equal
parts delight.
At Great Minds want to make the world a more knowledge-rich place. We know every child is
capable of greatness. We are here to improve Pre-K through grade 12 education by supporting
teachers with best-in-class curriculum materials and implementation products and services in
math, English, science, history and other subjects. Best-in-class curriculum is knowledge-driven,
coherent, uses research-based instructional methods that are proven to work for all learners,
including but not limited to striving readers, students with dyslexia and English language
learners.

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ExtraMarks
Extramarks Education, which was established in 2007, led the way in the Ed-tech industry by
becoming the first to digitalize Indian schools. The company started operating in 2009 and
provided primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools in India with smart class solutions
that catered to all board levels. Extramarks School Solutions integrated cutting-edge digital
infrastructure, expertly created multimedia learning content, and strong practice and test-related
academic tools to transform traditional classrooms into dynamic, learner-centric settings.
Extramarks is helping schools to get ready for competitive exams like JEE/NEET on campus
with solutions like the School Integrated Program. To provide students with a flexible and
mobile learning environment, Extramarks introduced its flagship product, "Extramarks - The
Learning App," in 2017. This app allows students to learn, practice, and study from any location.
They were featuring engaging animation content that is curriculum-mapped and a sizable
practice question bank for JEE, NEET, and grades K–12. The goal of Extramarks' newest
platform, "Extramarks - The Teaching App," was to empower home tutors and teachers. It was
launched in 2021. The platform makes it possible for home tutors, coaching staff, school
teachers, and other independent educators to manage their classes in one location, update their
timetables with ease, and have unrestricted access to Extramarks' extensive question bank. A
cutting-edge educational technology startup, Extramarks is dedicated to transforming the ways
in which instructors and students are taught. The curriculum-based digital learning solutions
cover every subject across all boards. To give pupils a comprehensive education, Extramarks use
a special methodology called Diagnose, Learn, Practice, Test, and Evaluate (DLPTE).
Extramarks offers a variety of educational solutions, including rich media 2D and 3D animated
content, game-based modules, pop-up quizzes, a large question bank for practice and exams, AI-
based performance reports, etc.

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Unacademy
Unacademy, an Ed-Tech startup established in Bangalore, serves as an online marketplace for a
variety of courses. It began as a basic YouTube channel in 2010 and was founded by Heemash
Singh, Sachin Gupta, and Gaurav Munjal. Their YouTube channel became an online learning
platform in 2015. Unacademy's YouTube account still has a ton of videos available. It is one of
India's leading Ed-Tech enterprises and a well-known e-learning startup.
Unacademy's goal is to provide free education. It has also increased the range of industries it
offers, including banking, pre-medical, UPSC, CA, CAPF, CLAT, CAT, and more. By watching
the video tutorials, which come in multiple languages, students can follow tutors and get direct
guidance from them. To present, Unacademy has taught more than 30,00,000 pupils. The
company has teamed up with some of the most well-known educators to offer its kids
appropriate tutoring. On its website, there are more than 2400 online courses available, both free
and paid.

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upGrad
upGrad offers an immersive educational experience and supports well-designed courses. It
provides online professional certificates, data science, product management, university-
accredited management programs, the most recent courses in technology that apply to business,
and more.
These days, hundreds of educational programs are available online. The Covid-19 pandemic has
led to the emergence of numerous new e-learning businesses. upGrad still has a significant
advantage over its rivals.
upGrad has secured two trademarks in the entertainment and education categories. It means that,
legally, those materials cannot be used by upGrad’s competitors nor can they be copied or
imitated. This enables upGrad to operate in a distinctive manner that sets them apart from all
other training and education providers.
upGrad has many users in India. Eighty-four percent of visitors are local, and the number of
users is growing rapidly. Because of its flawless implementation, upGrad is one of the popular
platforms for online courses.

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Toppr
For K–12 students, Toppr is a platform for online test preparation. The organization focuses on
the content of school curricula and entrance exams like the SAT, JEE, UPSC, NEET, etc.
In addition to interactive video lectures, practice question sets, professional doubt clarification,
and an all-India test series, it provides structured courses. Goal-based learning, adaptive
question practice, performance reports, concept sheets, and previous year’s test questions are all
included in the Toppr app. Additionally, it provides courses for board exams, Olympiads, and
medical and engineering examinations.
The company provides educational services and concentrates on test preparation for engineering
and medical entrance exams as well as school curricula. They offer packages for the joint
entrance examination (JEE), physical management training (PMT), school boards, and other
competitive exam preparations.

1.3 CREATING INCLUSIVE AND ENGAGING EDTECH EXPERIENCES THROUGH

INNOVATIVE PRACTICES

A. Invest in Inclusive Design Practice

Ed-Tech companies assert that education should be accessible to all, necessitating inclusiveness
as a design goal. This involves considering users' diverse sociologies and cultural backgrounds
when creating interactive learning experiences. As Ed-Tech flourishes in regions like South
America, Asia, and Africa, organizations must recognize and engage with local cultural
variations, moving beyond the dominant Western view of learning. Additionally, biases in AI
can arise from human engineering in data collection and algorithm development, highlighting
the need for diverse perspectives in the design process to ensure inclusivity.

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B. Designers Should Understand Teaching Methodology

In digital interactive learning experiences, designers take on the role of instructors, emphasizing
deep subject knowledge and clear messaging. Effective teachers are flexible, seizing
opportunities to impart knowledge. Khan Academy's tiered learning approach caters to young
learners by including life skills classes, such as growth mindset, personal finance, and career
training, alongside the standard curriculum. By leveraging designers' understanding of these
knowledge bases, learning becomes more active and inclusive. Ultimately, the effectiveness of
EdTech learning hinges on the synergy between design engineering and effective pedagogy.

C. Leverage the Power of AR and VR

Utilizing AR and VR in interactive experiences allows students to immerse themselves in

learning environments, taking on roles as both observers and participants. These technologies
evoke strong emotional responses and foster self-reflection, enhancing the learning process and
revealing cognitive biases.

An example is the interactive game "Mimesis," created by Harrell, where players control a
mimic octopus navigating from the ocean depths to tropical shallows. Throughout its journey,
the octopus encounters various sea creatures, prompting players to engage in conversations and
choose emotional responses based on the animals' behaviours, showcasing the potential of AR in
education.

1.4 HOW DOES IT WORK

"Edtech," or education technology, is the practice of employing information and

communication technology tools in the classroom to offer more interactive, inclusive, and
individualized learning experiences.
Today's classrooms have advanced beyond the clunky desktop PCs that were once the norm,
and now include tablets, interactive online courses, and even robots that can take notes and
record lectures for absent students.
Due to the introduction of edtech tools, classrooms are undergoing several changes.
Examples of edtech tools that keep students motivated in their studies include robots, virtual
reality lectures, and gamified classroom activities. Additionally, IoT-enabled edtech gadgets
are praised for enabling students to access virtual classrooms whether they are in a
traditional classroom, on a bus, or at home. Even machine learning and blockchain
technologies are assisting teachers in grading examinations and holding students accountable
for their homework.

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The potential for scalable, individualized learning has played a significant role in the
development of the edtech industry. There is no one-size-fits-all method for studying,
interacting with classmates and lecturers, or generally feeling about the same subjects.
Everybody learns at their own pace and in their own way. Edtech solutions make it easier for
teachers to create individualized lesson plans and learning experiences that encourage
inclusion and enhance the learning skills of all students, regardless of age or academic
ability.
And it appears that technology will continue to be used in classrooms. According to a 2018
study, 86% of eighth-grade teachers said that using technology to educate children is
essential. However, 75% of the study's teachers believed that using technology aided
students' academic success. Many would argue that
it is essential to understand the benefits that edtech offers in the form of enhanced
collaboration, communication, and educational quality in general.

1.5 USES

For kids of all ages, technology is increasing their learning opportunities and promoting
diversity and teamwork in the classroom.
Here are five keyways that educational technology is already altering how children learn: -
A. Improved Collaboration
Tablets and cloud-enabled software are making it easier for students to work together in the
classroom. Utilizing tablets that are stuffed with educational games and online classes, students
are given the opportunity to work together on difficulties. However, cloud-based apps enable
students to upload their assignments and electronically exchange ideas and support as needed.
B. 24/7 Learning Access
Thanks to IoT devices, students are finding it easier to have complete access to the classroom in
a virtual environment. Students can now complete assignments at their own pace and on their
own schedules without being restricted by the requirement that they be present in a physical
classroom because they have access to Wi-Fi and the cloud from connected devices whether
they are at school, on the bus, or at home.
C. Rearranging the Classroom
Edtech technologies are upending the conventional notion of classrooms and education. Before
doing projects and homework at home, students often study or pay attention to lectures in class.
Students can now attend classes at home at their own leisure using learning applications and
video lectures, utilizing class time for group project collaboration. Children are encouraged to
learn independently, be creative, and collaborate in this type of learning environment.

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D. Individualised Learning Opportunities
EdTech enables teachers to create personalized lesson plans tailored to each student's interests,
skills, and strengths. Video content allows students to learn at their own pace, pausing and
rewinding lectures to ensure understanding. Analytics help teachers identify students who
struggle and provide additional support.
Additionally, teachers can assess student performance without the stress of traditional testing by
using tools that accurately measure overall ability. Continuous assessments reveal learning
patterns, allowing teachers to adjust lessons to address individual strengths and weaknesses and
proactively intervene in any negative trends.
E. Focus-Positive Lessons
Do you recall any instances when you are only half paid attention in class while daydreaming?
It's crucial to develop lesson plans that are both exciting and educational given the abundance of
technologies and other influences vying for students' attention. Technology, in the opinion of
proponents of edtech, is the answer. Videoconferencing with other classrooms across the world,
having students submit their academic work as podcasts or films, and even gamifying problem-
solving are some of the most inventive ways that students are using technology to boost
classroom engagement.

1.6 PROS AND CONS

Who could have predicted ten years ago that the day would come when, voluntarily, or not,
EdTech would be required as the salvation for all educational institutions? It has been the only
useful teaching tool accessible for the past two years. It has demonstrated to be a reliable
educational tool. Like any technological advancement, edtech has benefits and drawbacks,
Problem-solving.
Pros
I. Simple Access - Thanks to the widespread availability of internet access, EdTech can reach
out to isolated regions of our country. Children are no longer discouraged from selecting
EdTech or online instruction as a form of education by the lack of infrastructure in
elementary schools.
II. Qualified Educators - To fully exploit technology, the teacher must be well trained and
computer knowledgeable. With e-learning tools, teachers must collaborate their expertise.
III. An Increase in Creativity - Students can demonstrate their talent and inventiveness by
taking part in online debates, extempore performances, role plays, intellectual competitions,
and art and craft displays. It helps people realise their potential while also relieving stress.

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 IV. Remote Learning - For a variety of reasons, including a lack of finance, infrastructure, and
basic facilities, many students are unable to attend lessons. Additionally, they are not
eligible to attend day schools. With EdTech, children can study anything from anywhere,
which is a fantastic teaching method.
V. Real-World Applications - Learning is a process that involves doing as well as reading,
writing, and listening. Students benefit from EdTech through seeing a variety of everyday
occurrences and their applications. Students can utilise these experiments to develop their
own ideas. They will develop new talents and be able to use their knowledge in their
everyday lives.
VI. Moving Away from Paper - We are aware that numerous human activities have an impact
on climate changes on a worldwide scale. The volume of documentation required by
traditional schooling is reportedly one of the factors contributing to deforestation. By using
EdTech's paperless solution, we can mitigate the damage to some extent.
VII. A Never-Ending Supply of Educational Resources - EdTech provides students with
access to a wealth of data that has been gathered and organised on a single platform. It
provides in-depth information to the pupils.

Cons

I. Distractions From Data Handling - Parents can't always keep an eye on their kids. What
if kids misuse the internet and data without even attempting to get a better education?
II. Staring At Screens - Spending a lot of time in front of a screen strains the eyes. As a
result, they could develop headaches and eyesight issues.
III. Requires Funding - Creating an EdTech is a difficult task because the technologies are
pricey. Even though EdTech may not require a lot of infrastructure, it still need money to
pay trained teachers and provide technology access to many people.
IV. Self-Motivation and Accountability - Due to their own motivation and self-interest,
students are held accountable to attend an online class. Teachers may only interact with
students in an online learning environment if they are really interested in what they have to
say. People who lack motivation may merely attend seminars to appear there rather than
learning anything.
V. One-On-One Interaction in The Classroom - In a classroom that is not online, the
teacher and student can have a direct conversation. It strengthens the ties between
classmates, the teacher, and the pupil. Depending on the EdTech being utilised, it is not
always assured that the teacher will interact with every student.

Like every currency, edtech has benefits and drawbacks. Nevertheless, the positive side here
seems to outweigh the negative side because it accomplishes education's main objective. When
new discoveries are produced, cost-efficient tools that are also very effective will be released
onto the market to aid in providing children with a high-quality education.

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1.7 How Ed-Tech is transforming teaching and learning
Education Technology (Ed-Tech), has revolutionized the education sector in recent
years by transforming the pedagogical skills of teachers and widening the learning scope of the
students. The closedown of schools during the pandemic stamped on Ed-Tech’s relevance and
accelerated its adoption, and there is no denying that it is here to stay.
Ed-Tech has two facets, one involves the advanced software applications and hardware
technology for teaching in the classrooms, and second, the growing online courses, through
smartly engaging curriculums. Growth in the Indian Ed-Tech sector has been backed by growing
demand as well as innovative learning models offered by homegrown Ed-Tech startups, aided by
a facilitative National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Ed-Tech involves the use of digital platforms, software tools, and devices to facilitate education
and enhance the learning experience of students. The introduction of technology in classrooms
has made learning more interactive, accessible, and engaging. It allows students to learn at a
pace that is more suited to them and AI-enabled technologies render personalized learning
experiences for students by analysing their learning abilities and customizing the curricula to
match their specific needs.
Technology has also made it possible for every student to read and learn in
their regional language, which has been proven to lead to improved learning outcomes,
especially in the early years of education.
The government has been striving to improve access to educational materials and classes online
through various e-learning initiatives such as SWAYAM, e-Pathshala, PM e-Vidya, DIKSHA
etc. With the availability of such online learning platforms, students can engage in flexible
learning at their own time and convenience, thereby reducing commute times and allowing them
to focus better. Online courses, open educational resources (OERs), and Massive Open Online
Courses (MOOCs) are also examples of such learning options.
Another way Ed-Tech is transforming education in India is by aiding teachers in delivering
quality content. Teachers can leverage digital platforms to curate their worksheets, quizzes, and
lesson plans easily or have access to pre-existing engaging and interactive content.
The Ed-Tech industry in India is also providing new learning opportunities in upskilling and
professional training. The convenience of online learning has made it easier for working
professionals to upskill and expand their skillset without affecting their work schedule. As per a
LinkedIn survey in 2020, almost 63% of professionals had taken up online learning to enhance
their skills or reskill themselves to stay relevant.
Despite the many advantages of Ed-Tech, there remain concerns around the social and economic
disparities. Not all students in India have access to digital devices, reliable internet connections,

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or electricity. These technological divides are prevalent, particularly in rural areas, where access
to electricity, let alone digital devices, is a challenge. This is where the private sector can play a
crucial role, in partnership with state governments, to improve access to learning and address
learning gaps. The market of Ed-Tech startups is expanding phenomenally and
some are committed to providing free access to their learning materials to less privileged
students from rural backgrounds under their Education for All (EFA) initiative.
According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Indian Ed-Tech sector is expected
to reach USD 30 billion by 2031, from USD 700-800 million in 2021. It is already transforming
the teaching and learning landscape in India, heralding an era of personalized learning,
flexibility, and engagement. It has the potential to transform India's education sector, creating a
more inclusive and accessible learning environment. We must leverage it to the fullest and
catapult ourselves on the path of attaining SDG 4 by 2030 i.e., ensuring inclusive and equitable
quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

1.8 Emergence of Educational Technology

IT has been used in many diverse and innovative ways in education contexts, ranging from a
simple printing tool to an educational experience via virtual reality. There are two distinct
functions of educational technology use – termed the technology in education and technology of
education. The first term refers to the tools used in education such as instructional media,
hardware and software used to present information (Ellington et al. 1993). The technology in
education concept views IT as a silver bullet that will increase the learning of students just by
applying educational technology. However, the second term, the technology of education, views
the educational system. It encompasses the intangible Modern education is rife with the use of
educational technology. A key issue in the development of educational technology is how one
can effectively employ it in education. Before looking into this issue, we trace the emergence of
educational
technology and delve into the function of pedagogy for its theoretical foundation and as a
possible solution to determine the effectiveness of educational technology features from
research and learning theories together with the hardware and software portions. The technology
of education aims to improve the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process (Ellington et
al. 1993).

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