EDUC 301 Technology in Secondary Language Education

Lesson 1

The Meaning of Technology

The use of scientific inventions, rules, principles, and processes in different aspects of life comes under the
use of technology. Many types of technologies exist, including educational technology. In other words, the
application of scientific principles to different areas of life is called technology. Therefore, the meaning of
technology is "the art of science." Therefore, when scientific, orderly, and well-organized knowledge is used
to do daily work, then it is given the name of technology. The word "technology" is usually associated with
machines, but it is not necessary that machines should always be used.

Technology provides students with easy-to-access information, accelerated learning, and fun opportunities
to practice what they learn.

The Meaning of Educational Technology

When scientific, technical, and psychological principles and methods are properly used to make the
teaching/learning process easy, simple, efficient, and effective, it comes under the umbrella of educational
technology. As new discoveries are made, there is also a change in its meaning, definition, and form.
Today, scientific and technological inventions have affected every aspect of human life. Education,
teaching, and learning have also been greatly affected by them. In the field of education, as a result of the
latest research, discoveries, and investigations, such techniques (i.e., skills) have been developed, which
are helping in achieving all the objectives of education. These competencies and skills, which are
especially based on science, are given the name of educational technology.

The Evolution of Technology in the Classroom

Technology has always been at the forefront of human education. From the days of carving figures on rock
walls to today, when most students are equipped with several portable technological devices at any given
time, technology continues to push educational capabilities to new levels. In looking at where educational
methods and tools have come from to where they are going in the future, technology’s importance in the
classroom is evident now more than ever.

A History of Classroom Technology: The Primitive Classroom

In the Colonial years, wooden paddles with printed lessons, called Horn-Books, were used to assist
students in learning verses. Over 200 years later, in 1870, technology advanced to include the Magic
Lantern, a primitive version of a slide projector that projected images printed on glass plates. By the time
World War I ended, around 8,000 lantern slides were circulating through the Chicago public school system.
By the time the Chalkboard came around in 1890, followed by the pencil in 1900, it was clear that students
were hungry for more advanced educational tools.

A horn-book Magic Lantern

 Radio in the 1920s sparked an entirely new wave of learning; on-air classes began popping up for
any student within listening range.

 Next came the overhead projector in 1930, followed by the ballpoint pen in 1940 and headphones
in 1950.

 Videotapes arrived on the scene in 1951, creating a new and exciting method of instruction.

 The Skinner Teaching Machine  produced a combined system of teaching and testing, providing
reinforcement for correct answers so that the student can move on to the next lesson.

 The photocopier (1959) and handheld calculator (1972) entered the classrooms next, allowing for
mass production of material on the fly and quick mathematical calculations.
  The Scantron system of testing, introduced by Michael Sokolski n 1972, allowed educators to
grade tests more quickly and efficiently.

The pre-computer years were formative in the choices made for computers in the years following.
Immediate response-type systems (video, calculator, Scantron) had become necessary, and quick
production of teaching materials, using the photocopier, had become a standard. The U.S. Department of
Education reports that high school enrollment was only 10% in 1900, but by 1992 had expanded to 95%.
The number of students in college in 1930 was around 1 million, but by 2012 had grown to a record 21.6
million. Teachers needed new methods of instruction and testing, and students were looking for new ways
to communicate, study, and learn. 

 Toshiba released its first mass-market consumer laptop in 1985 (the T1100), and Apple’s infamous
Mac (which later evolved into the Powerbook) was available starting in 1984.

 In 1990, The World Wide Web was given life when a British researcher developed Hyper
Text Markup Language, or HTML, and when the National Science Foundation (NSF) removed
restrictions on the commercial use of the Internet in 1993, the world exploded into a frenzy of
newfound research and communication methods.

 The first Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) were released by Apple Computer Inc. in 1993, and
with that, computers were a part of every day, if not every moment. By 2009, 97% of classrooms
had one or more computers, and 93% of classroom computers had Internet access. For every 5
students, there was one computer. Instructors stated that 40% of students used computers often in
their educational methods, in addition to interactive whiteboards and digital cameras. College
students nowadays are rarely without some form of computer technology: 83% own a laptop, and
over 50% have a Smartphone.

The Future of Technology in the Classroom

It seems like years since MySpace, first introduced in 2003, Facebook (2004) and Twitter (2007) have
changed both the communication and business worlds. Instant connectivity has branched out from merely a
tool of personal communication, to a platform for educational instruction and outreach. Social media is now
being recognized as an accepted form of instruction in some instances, and groups such as Scholastic
Teachers provide excellent support and tips for instructors. Many instructors use social media to
communicate directly with their students, or to form forum-style groups for students to communicate with
each other, and the method seems to be proving valuable in providing one-on-one attention to student’s
questions and concerns.

With the classroom having already evolved into a hotbed of technological advances, what can the future
possibly hold that could further educational proficiencies even more?

 Biometrics, a technology that recognizes people based on certain physical or behavioral

traits, is on the technological horizon. The science will be used to recognize the physical
and emotional disposition of students in the classroom, altering course material to tailor
to each individual’s needs based on biometric signals.

 A second up-and-coming technology is Augmented Reality (AR) glasses, rumored to be

on Google’s release list, and this technology could be a whole new world for education.
AR Glasses (or even contact lenses) will layer data on top of what we naturally see, to
allow for a real-world learning experience. For example, a student wearing AR Glasses
could potentially sit at his desk and have a conversation with Thomas Edison about
invention. It was Edison, after all, who said that “Books will soon be obsolete in schools.
Scholars will soon be instructed through the eye.”

 Multi-touch surfaces are commonly used through equipment such as the iPhone, but the
technology could become more relevant to education through entirely multi-touch
surfaces, such as desks or workstations. This could allow students to collaborate with
other students, even those around the world, and videos and other virtual tools could be
streamed directly to the surface.

Features Of Educational Technology

1. Educational technology affects both the science of education and the art of teaching.
2. It fully reflects the influence of science and technology.
3. The practical side of learning is given more importance in educational technology. Educational
technology affects the student, teacher, administrator, and the entire school environment.
4. It simplifies and empowers the teaching/learning process. Educational technology proves
helpful in the spread of education, and is a continuously developing subject.
5. It mainly emphasizes achieving the objectives of education. It is capable of bringing necessary
changes in the learning situation to fulfill the educational objectives. It is related to cognitive,
affective, and psychomotor objectives.
6. As science progresses, so does the development of educational technology. The various rules
and inventions of science are the basis of educational technology.

Functions Of Educational Technology and The Need For It

Just as there is a need in our life to use science and technology to get the maximum benefits in the least
time, using less energy, in the same way educational technology is needed in the field of education. The
need for educational technology in education is due to the following reasons:

1. It gives positive emphasis to the development of the latest methods for effective education.
2. Educational technology makes the teaching process scientific, objective, clear, simple, easy,
interesting, and effective.
3. Educational technology gives proper guidance to solve teaching problems.
4. It provides proper guidance to make the teaching/learning process effective, such as setting
teaching goals, examining the initial behavior of students, selecting and organizing appropriate
curricula, appropriate teaching methods and strategies, and supporting materials.
5. It offers effective means of communication between teachers and learners to engage in the
exchange of ideas.
6. It includes the use of all types of arts, methods, materials, skills, principles, and instruments of
science, psychology, and technology.
7. It can be used to arrange and control the learning conditions required to achieve educational
technical objectives.
8. Just as science and technology help us to do more work with less energy and effort in our daily
life, in the same way educational technology controls the waste of energy and time in the
teaching process.
9. It also lays emphasis on the development of appropriate evaluation methods for measuring
behavior change and for checking the results of the teaching process.
10. After the evaluation process, by examining the final behavior of the students, emphasis is also
given to providing the expected reinforcement and support required.

Advantages Of Technology In Education

With the collaboration of technology in our education system, learning becomes more interactive, engaging,
and motivating. It has benefited students as well as teachers in many ways as it expands access to
education. Using technology, students have easy access to information, accelerated learning, and fun
opportunities to practice what they learn. It allows students to discover new subjects and gain a deeper
understanding of difficult concepts.

Students are actively involved and participating. Utilizing eLearning leads to better retention of knowledge
and higher productivity, and also develops a social platform for learners, establishing a positive
environment. Meanwhile, it also transforms the way educators teach and students engage in eLearning
classes.
1. Individual Learning Experience

With traditional education, it can become difficult for individual students sometimes to keep abreast with the
class. But eLearning platforms can provide them with an individual learning experience, and also increase
their engagement, encouraging them to learn at their own pace. Students can learn from any eLearning
platform individually.

2. Unlimited Information

The emergence of eLearning makes students explore a vast amount of information to seek the knowledge
in which they are interested. There are no boundaries set for their interest. They get unlimited access to
information.

3. Innovative Learning

To help students, teachers are using more tech-savvy methods to make learning more innovative and
interesting. Teachers provide study material to their students and guide them according to their ability with
various eLearning methods.

4. Digital Update

The internet is a vast storage space full of information, technology, and data and thus individuals can fall
behind this ever-evolving information and technology. But with the help of technology, everyone can keep
digitally updated.

5. Time Saving

eLearning can save a lot of time by sharing and preserving information. Instead of making handmade
notes, teachers and students can easily make and share their notes digitally in the cloud instead.

6. Individual Interaction

Face-to-face interaction takes place with the educators and thus empowers students to reach their goals.
Students and educators get one-to-one interaction on eLearning platforms.

7. Personalized Learning Experience

The benefit of technology has added the benefit of being able to learn from anywhere, at any time. It has
allowed students access to educational resources 24/7. Teachers are also able to generate classes for
students based on their strengths and interests. If students have any questions about a particular concept,
they can also review the lesson for better understanding.
Conclusion

eLearning leads to improving collaboration and engagement, incorporating different learning styles and
connecting the educators with their students. The government also actively participates with several
policies to boost digital education. The accessibility and affordability of the internet provide access to
education to a large audience and leads to the great advances in eLearning education.