Running head: APPLICATION OF EDUCATIONAL

TECHNOLOGY 1

APPLICATION OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Christina A. Bolden

University of Arkansas
 2
APPLICATION OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Application of Educational Technology

Educational technology is the practice of applying knowledge to improve the learning

and instructional process. This is done through creating, producing, utilizing, assessing, and

examining the materials being used by the learner. The overall objective of educational

technology is to improve knowledge. I derived this definition after reading J. Spector’s version

of the definition of educational technology (Spector, 2016). I also agree with the following

definition, “Educational technology is a systematic, iterative process for designing instruction or

training used to improve performance” (What is Educational Technology? , n.d.). Reading

through the ever evolving definitions of educational technology I have realized what an

important role it has played in my career as an educator.

In my definition for educational technology, I state that it “is applying knowledge to

improve the learning and instructional process.” I have seen this first hand in my own classroom.

For the past four years I have used the flipped-classroom method in my advanced chemistry

classes. This approach has made the course more student centered rather than teacher led.

Students use YouTube videos, Kahn Academy, and PhET simulations to learn the target

objectives. In Kylie Corbitt’s definition she states, “There is an active and positive way to use the

technology of today in the classroom to benefit the leaders of tomorrow” (Corbitt, 2017). Using

different types and methods of technology in the classroom has and will help students of all

levels and abilities be successful.

Two years ago, I stumbled upon Google Apps for Education, GAFE. I began looking at

the new ways that I could use different types of technology in my classroom. After completing

two levels of training modules I completed and passed a performance based assessment to

become a certified Google educator. This has allowed me to deepen my understanding of

 3
APPLICATION OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

educational technology. As Jennifer O’Neal states in her definition of educational technology, “it

also opens up a global channel to share ideas and techniques” (O’Neal, 2017). I no longer feel

limited as to whom I can collaborate ideas with and have unlimited resources from around the

world.

After gaining my level 2 Google Certification, I felt confident enough in my ability to

share my new found technology knowledge with other teachers. By using Google extensions,

add-ons, and apps, I have been able to streamline my classroom so that I spend more time

planning and facilitating rather than grading. Jennifer O’Neal’s definition supports this in stating

that “it (technology) provides a possibly more efficient way to asses and track progress”

(O’Neal, 2017). I have hosted technology workshops, within my school district, to show other

teachers how they can utilize these tools in their own classrooms.

“Technology can be a powerful tool for transforming learning” (National Education

Technology Plan, 2017). Just as the definition of educational technology changes, education and

technology both change. Changes in my career have introduced me to better ways of facilitating

in the classroom, extended my reach in collaborating with other professionals, and allowed me to

share all of the wonderful things I have learned.

 4
APPLICATION OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

References

Corbitt, K. (2017, July 03). Educational Technology Definition. [Web log comment]. Retrieved

from https://learn.uark.edu/webapps/discussionboard/do/message?action=list_messages&

course_id=_147276_1&nav=discussion_board&conf_id=_230567_1&forum_id=_

287313_1&message_id=_3159188_1

Forest, E. (2017, February 21). Definitions of Educational Technology. Retrieved July 03, 2017,

from http://educationaltechnology.net/definitions-educational-technology/

Januszewski, A. & Molenda, M. (2008). Educational Technology: A Definition with

Commentary. New York: Taylor & Francis. pp 1-14.

Lee, D. (2014, September 07). Definition of Educational Technology. [Digital Image]. Retrieved

July 03, 2017, from https://davidleelearninglog.wordpress.com/2014/09/06/definition-of-

educational-technology/

National Education Technology Plan. (2017, January). Retrieved July 06, 2017, from

https://tech.ed.gov/netp/

O’Neal, J. (2017, July 03). Defining Educational Technology. [Web log comment]. Retrieved

from https://learn.uark.edu/webapps/discussionboard/do/message?action=list_messages&

course_id=_147276_1&nav=discussion_board&conf_id=_230567_1&forum_id=_

287313_1&message_id=_3159127_1
 5
APPLICATION OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Spector, J. M. (2016). Foundations of Educational Technology: Integrative Approaches and

Interdisciplinary Perspectives. Second Edition. New York: Routledge.