Technology

,
I am so happy that I am one of the members in this fantastic group, as we share our experiences and knowledge in such an interactive way. First of all, I would like to define the technology before I start talking about educational technology and its role in education (teaching and learning). Actually, technology is the new stuff, like computers, energy-efficient light bulbs, high-speed trains, space flight, nanotechnology, TV and so on…So; we can say that technology is every thing in our life. It is not evil, nor is it good. Frankly, its advantages and disadvantages depend on how the person uses the technology in a right way.

To a large extent, electronic technology has dramatically penetrated into every area of society, and every aspect of our social and cultural lives.

In the past technology education has evolved through craft, or technical skills, education - from Industrial Arts and Manual Training. Industrial Arts programs were also known as "shop classes", a derivation of "workshop". Today, technology education students generally work in labs and perform laboratory activities. In the past, many referred to the work areas used in technology education as "shops", however, many teachers have encouraged students to use the term "lab". Also, using power point instead of the traditional manner.

In my opinion, the students and teachers will get the benefits of using technology in education as it facilitates the teaching and learning process.

In terms of education technology is that to support students teaching themselves with, of course, their teachers’ guidance. Today’s technology, though, offers students all kinds of new, highly effective tools they can use to learn on their own – from the Internet with almost all the information, to search and research tools to sort out what is true and relevant, to analysis tools to help make sense of it, to creation tools to present one’s findings in a variety of media, to social tools to network and collaborate with people around the world. And while the teacher can and should be a guide, most of these tools are best used by students, not teachers.
Finally, I would give you some information about instructional technology and how is it different from instructional design.
Instructional Design is the systematic process of translating general principles of learning and instruction into plans for instructional materials and learning.
Instructional Technology:
Instructional technology is the systemic and systematic application of strategies and techniques derived from behavioral, cognitive, and constructivist theories to the solution of instructional problems.
Instructional Technology = Instructional Design + Instructional Development
Instructional technology is the systematic application of theory and other organized knowledge to the task of instructional design and development.
Mufida Ali Ghwela. P48346