DALUBHASAAN NG LUNGSOD NG LUCENA

(Formerly City College of Lucena)

City College Main Bldg. Isabang, Lucena City
Tel. No. & Telefax No. (042) 797-1671

EDTECH: EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

JANET V. GENDRANO
ACTIVITY 1
1. What is Educational Technology? Give the operational and conceptual definitions
(citation)
Educational technology is the use of tools, resources, and methods to enhance learning
experiences. Operationally, it involves the practical application of technologies like
computers, tablets, and software in educational settings to facilitate teaching and
learning. Conceptually, it's the intersection of education and technology, focusing on
how technology can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of teaching and learning
processes (Januszewski & Molenda, 2008). So, in simpler terms, it's all about using
things like computers and software to make learning more engaging and effective.
2. OPERATIONAL DEFINITION:
An operational definition is like a practical instruction manual for understanding a
concept. It tells us exactly what to look for or how to measure something. For example,
in educational technology, an operational definition might specify exactly which tools or
methods are being used in a particular study or context, giving clear guidelines for what
counts as "educational technology" in that situation (Creswell & Creswell, 2017). So, it's
like a roadmap that guides researchers or practitioners on how to observe or measure
something in a consistent and precise way.
CONCEPTUAL DEFINITION:
A conceptual definition is like the big picture explanation of a term, helping us
understand its broader meaning and significance. It's about grasping the underlying idea
or concept behind something. For instance, in educational technology, a conceptual
definition would delve into what it means to integrate technology into teaching and
learning, exploring its purpose and potential impact (Januszewski & Molenda, 2008). So,
it's like zooming out to see the forest instead of just focusing on individual trees, giving
us a deeper understanding of the concept as a whole.
3. Research on the importance of Educational Technology?
A. Learners:
 Empowerment through Engagement: Educational technology makes learning
more interactive and fun, like solving puzzles on a tablet or watching educational
videos. It helps students stay interested and involved in their lessons.
 Personalized Learning: It's like having a teacher who knows exactly what you
need to learn and gives you activities that suit your style. Educational technology
tailors learning experiences to each student's needs.
 Access to Knowledge: Imagine having a library right at your fingertips, where you
can find information on any topic you're curious about. Educational technology
gives students access to a world of learning resources, no matter where they are
(Papert, 1993).
 DALUBHASAAN NG LUNGSOD NG LUCENA
(Formerly City College of Lucena)
City College Main Bldg. Isabang, Lucena City
Tel. No. & Telefax No. (042) 797-1671

B. Teachers:
 Teaching Made Easier: Educational technology helps teachers spend less time on
paperwork and more time teaching. It's like having an assistant who takes care of
the boring stuff so teachers can focus on what they love.
 Professional Growth: Just like students, teachers can also learn and grow with
technology. It provides opportunities for professional development through
online courses, webinars, and collaborative platforms (Ertmer, 1999).
C. Parents:
 Communication Boost: Educational technology improves communication
between parents, teachers, and students. It's like having a direct line to your
child's teacher, where you can easily stay updated on their progress and school
activities.
 Support at Home: With educational technology, parents can find resources and
activities to support their child's learning at home. It's like having a toolbox full of
educational games and materials to help your child succeed (Albion & Ertmer,
2002).
D. Leaders/Administrators:
 Informed Decision-Making: Educational technology provides valuable data on
student performance and engagement, helping leaders make better decisions to
improve education. It's like having a compass that guides you in the right
direction.
 Efficiency and Savings: By streamlining administrative tasks and optimizing
resources, educational technology helps institutions save time and money (Lai &
Bower, 2006).
E. Community-at-Large:
 Bridging Divides: Educational technology initiatives aim to bridge the gap
between those who have access to technology and those who don't. It's about
ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to learn and grow.
 Lifelong Learning: Technology-enabled learning platforms offer opportunities for
people of all ages to continue learning and developing new skills throughout
their lives. It's like having a community center where everyone can come
together to learn and grow (Warschauer, 2003).

4. Evolution of Educational Technology

a. Pre-20th Century:
 Before the 20th century, educational technology was quite different. Imagine a
classroom with just a chalkboard and textbooks. Teaching relied heavily on oral
instruction and handwritten materials.
 One significant advancement during this time was the use of educational tools
like abacuses and slates for teaching mathematics and writing. These tools
helped students visualize concepts and practice skills (Cuban, 1986).
 DALUBHASAAN NG LUNGSOD NG LUCENA
(Formerly City College of Lucena)
City College Main Bldg. Isabang, Lucena City
Tel. No. & Telefax No. (042) 797-1671

b. 18th-19th Century:
 In the 18th and 19th centuries, we see the emergence of more formalized
educational systems and the use of printed materials such as textbooks and
encyclopedias. Schools started using printed materials to standardize curriculum
and facilitate learning.
 The Industrial Revolution also brought about innovations like the chalkboard,
which became a common fixture in classrooms. It allowed teachers to present
information visually and engage students in group activities (Cuban, 1986).
c. 20th Century:
 The 20th century witnessed rapid advancements in educational technology,
particularly with the introduction of audiovisual aids like filmstrips, overhead
projectors, and educational radio broadcasts. These tools brought multimedia
elements into the classroom, enhancing teaching and learning.
 The invention of computers marked a major milestone in educational
technology. Computers initially occupied entire rooms but eventually became
more accessible to schools and individuals. They revolutionized learning through
interactive programs, simulations, and educational software (Kozma, 1991).
d. 21st Century:
 In the 21st century, educational technology has become more ubiquitous and
diverse than ever before. Imagine a classroom where students have laptops or
tablets instead of textbooks, accessing a wealth of digital resources and
interactive learning platforms.
 The internet and digital technologies have transformed education, enabling
distance learning, online courses, and collaborative projects. Students can now
connect with experts and peers worldwide, expanding their learning beyond the
confines of traditional classrooms (Papert, 1993).

5. Application of Educational Technology

 Online Learning Platforms: These platforms provide a virtual space for delivering
educational content, facilitating communication, and assessing student progress.
Examples include Moodle, Canvas, and Blackboard.
Reference: Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., & Jones, K. (2009). Evaluation of
evidence-based practices in online learning: A meta-analysis and review of online learning
studies. U.S. Department of Education.

 Gamification: Gamification involves incorporating game elements and principles

into educational activities to increase engagement and motivation. It can include
points, badges, leaderboards, and storyline-based learning.
Reference: Deterding, S., Dixon, D., Khaled, R., & Nacke, L. (2011). From game design elements to
gamefulness: defining “gamification”. In Proceedings of the 15th International Academic
MindTrek Conference: Envisioning Future Media Environments (pp. 9-15). ACM.
 DALUBHASAAN NG LUNGSOD NG LUCENA
(Formerly City College of Lucena)
City College Main Bldg. Isabang, Lucena City
Tel. No. & Telefax No. (042) 797-1671

 Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR technologies create
immersive learning experiences by overlaying digital content onto the real world
(AR) or by simulating realistic environments (VR).
Reference: Huang, T.-C., Liang, T.-H., Su, Y.-N., & Hwang, G.-J. (2019). Development and
assessment of an augmented reality-based system for science learning. Journal of Computer
Assisted Learning, 35(6), 757-770.

 Mobile Learning: Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets enable

learning anytime, anywhere. Mobile learning apps, eBooks, and educational
games cater to learners' on-the-go needs.
Reference: Sharples, M., Adams, A., Ferguson, R., Gaved, M., McAndrew, P., Rienties, B., ... &
Whitelock, D. (2014). Innovating pedagogy 2014: Open University innovation report 3. Open
University Innovation Report, 3.

 Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education: AI technologies, including machine

learning algorithms and natural language processing, personalize learning
experiences, provide adaptive feedback, and automate administrative tasks.
Reference: Baker, R. S., & Inventado, P. S. (2014). Educational data mining and learning analytics.
In J. A. Larusson & B. White (Eds.), Learning analytics: From research to practice (pp. 61-75).
Springer.

6. Benefits of Educational Technology

a. For Teachers:
 Enhanced Teaching Resources: Educational technology provides teachers with access to
a vast array of digital resources such as interactive presentations, simulations, and
educational videos, enriching their teaching materials and methods.
 Increased Efficiency: Technology streamlines administrative tasks like grading,
attendance tracking, and lesson planning, allowing teachers to spend more time on
actual teaching activities (Kay, 2006).
 Personalized Learning: Educational technology facilitates personalized learning
experiences, enabling teachers to tailor instruction to individual student needs and
learning styles through adaptive learning platforms and online assessment tools
(Johnson, Adams Becker, Estrada, & Freeman, 2015).
b. For Students:
 Enhanced Engagement: Educational technology makes learning more interactive and
enjoyable for students through multimedia content, gamified activities, and virtual
simulations, leading to increased motivation and engagement (Sung, Chang, & Liu,
2016).
 Access to Diverse Learning Resources: Technology provides students with access to a
wealth of digital learning resources, including eBooks, online courses, and educational
apps, enabling them to explore topics in-depth and at their own pace (Hirumi, 2016).
 Improved Learning Outcomes: Research suggests that integrating educational
technology into classroom instruction can lead to improved academic performance,
critical thinking skills, and overall learning outcomes for students (Cheung & Slavin,
2013).
 DALUBHASAAN NG LUNGSOD NG LUCENA
(Formerly City College of Lucena)
City College Main Bldg. Isabang, Lucena City
Tel. No. & Telefax No. (042) 797-1671

References:

Kay, R. (2006). Evaluating strategies used to incorporate technology into preservice education: A review of
the literature. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 38(4), 383-408.

Johnson, L., Adams Becker, S., Estrada, V., & Freeman, A. (2015). NMC Horizon Report: 2015 K-12 Edition.
The New Media Consortium.

Sung, Y. T., Chang, K. E., & Liu, T. C. (2016). The effects of integrating mobile devices with teaching and
learning on students' learning performance: A meta-analysis and research synthesis. Computers &
Education, 94, 252-275.

Hirumi, A. (2016). Ready, Willing, and Able: Preparing Pre-service Teachers to Infuse Technology into the
Curriculum. Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, 32(3), 88-95.

Cheung, A. C., & Slavin, R. E. (2013). The effectiveness of educational technology applications for
enhancing mathematics achievement in K-12 classrooms: A meta-analysis. Educational Research Review,
9, 88-113.

7. Challenges in using Educational Technology

 Technical Issues: Sometimes, computers crash, internet connections fail, or software

glitches occur, disrupting the flow of learning (Hew & Brush, 2007).
 Digital Divide: Not everyone has equal access to technology or the internet, creating
disparities in educational opportunities (Warschauer & Matuchniak, 2010).
 Training and Support: Teachers may lack the necessary training and support to
effectively integrate technology into their teaching practices (Ertmer et al., 2012).
 Distraction: With the allure of social media and entertainment, students may get
distracted from their learning tasks when using technology (Rosen, 2008).
 Privacy and Security Concerns: Safeguarding students' personal information and
ensuring the security of online learning platforms can be challenging (Culp, Honey, &
Mandinach, 2003).
 Cost: Implementing educational technology often requires significant financial
investment for purchasing devices, software licenses, and infrastructure (Nakata, 2008).
References:

Hew, K. F., & Brush, T. (2007). Integrating technology into K-12 teaching and learning: Current knowledge gaps and
recommendations for future research. Educational Technology Research and Development, 55(3), 223-252.

Warschauer, M., & Matuchniak, T. (2010). New technology and digital worlds: Analyzing evidence of equity in
access, use, and outcomes. Review of Research in Education, 34(1), 179-225.

Ertmer, P. A., Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. T., Sadik, O., Sendurur, E., & Sendurur, P. (2012). Teacher beliefs and
technology integration practices: A critical relationship. Computers & Education, 59(2), 423-435.

Rosen, L. D. (2008). The myth of multitasking. The New Atlantis, 20, 105-110.

Culp, K. M., Honey, M., & Mandinach, E. (2003). A retrospective on twenty years of education technology policy.
Journal of Educational Computing Research, 28(1), 1-29.

Nakata, Y. (2008). A study of factors affecting teachers' use of ICT in Japanese high schools from the perspective of
professional development. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 24(6), 528-538.