Introduction and Unit Objectives: Historical Development of Educational Technology

This audio is an introduction for the Historical Development of Educational Technology.

In this unit, attempts were made to explain the meaning of educational technology and instructional technology. In this unit, attention shall be focused on historical development of educational technology. In doing this, you will be taken through the global as well as local emergence of educational technology. You need to acquaint yourself with this aspect of educational technology so as to be reminded of what has happened to the discipline in the past.

Unit objectives
By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Narrate the history of educational technology globally.
2. Explain the link between technological advancement and the development of educational technology.

Components of Education Technology:
Educational technology (commonly abbreviated as edutech or edutech) is the combined use of computer hardware, software, and educational theory and practice to facilitate learning. When referred to with its abbreviation, educational technology, it often refers to the industry of companies that create educational technology. In addition to the practical educational experience, educational technology is based on theoretical knowledge from various disciplines such as communication, education, psychology, sociology, artificial intelligence, and computer science. It encompasses several domains including learning theory, computer-based training, online learning, and m-learning where mobile technologies are used.

• Hardware. In educational technology, hardware components include mechanical equipment, materials, and electronic devices.
• Software.
• Methods and implementation.
• Manpower and management.
• Evaluation and continuous innovation.
It makes practitioners search for new and innovatively effective ways of organizing teaching-learning processes. It has different aspects and forms such as teaching technology, instructional technology, behavioral technology and instructional design technology.