Educational technology

Educational technology, often called edtech, includes computer hardware, software, and ideas about how people learn and teach. It helps make learning and teaching easier and more fun. When people talk about EdTech, they usually mean the companies that make and sell these tools.

Edtech uses ideas from many different subjects, like how people talk to each other, how children learn, and how computers work. It covers many areas, such as how we learn with computers, learn online, and even learn using phones or tablets.

This kind of technology helps teachers share their knowledge in new ways and helps students learn in places and times that might be hard with regular school lessons.

Definition

The Association for Educational Communications and Technology describes educational technology as the study and thoughtful use of tools and methods to help people learn and improve skills. It includes planning, creating, using, and checking these tools and methods for learning. Educational technology isn’t just about gadgets; it also covers ideas and ways to teach and learn better.

Educational technology can mean many things, such as the ideas behind teaching, the tools we use like online courses, or systems that help manage learning. It also includes ways to organize training and store learning information. Professionals who work in this area are called educational technologists. Today, technology plays a big role in schools, with many ways to learn online, through multimedia, and using computers. Even though there are many names for these tools and methods, they all aim to make learning better and more flexible.

History

See also: Educational software

Helping people and children learn in easier, faster, and more accurate ways goes back to very old tools, like paintings on cave walls. Simple tools such as abacus, writing slates, and blackboards have been used for many years. Books and pamphlets have always been important for learning. In the early 1900s, educational films and mechanical teaching machines were introduced.

In the 1960s, professors at Stanford University used computers to help elementary school students in California learn arithmetic and spelling. Online learning began in 1960 at the University of Illinois. By 1982, the first fully online master's degree was offered. In 2002, MIT started offering free online classes. Today, many students take at least one online course during college.

In 1971, Ivan Illich published Deschooling Society, imagining new ways for people to learn together. The 1970s and 1980s brought more computer-based learning tools. Videoconferencing became popular, especially for museum education, though it had some problems like poor sound and picture quality.

The Open University in Britain and the University of British Columbia helped change learning by using the Internet. By 1994, the first online high school opened. Better Internet tools made learning easier and faster for students and teachers.

By 2020, many schools around the world had to close because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to a big increase in online learning for students of all ages. Many new technologies were developed to support distance learning during this time. Even after the pandemic, teachers continue to use digital tools more often than before.

Theory

Main articles: Educational psychology, E-learning (theory), Learning theory (education), and Educational philosophies

There are different ways to think about how people learn. One idea is called behaviorism. It started with scientists studying how animals learn, using rewards and punishments to teach them. Some famous scientists who worked on this include Ivan Pavlov, Edward Thorndike, Edward C. Tolman, Clark L. Hull, and B.F. Skinner.

Another way to think about learning is called cognitivism. This looks at how the brain works to help us learn. It studies how we remember things and how we process information. This idea grew a lot in the 1960s and 1970s.

There is also constructivism, which says that learners build their own understanding by connecting new information with what they already know. Teachers help guide this process, letting students explore and solve problems on their own. This can include activities like working on projects or solving real-world problems. One example from the past was using a computer programming language called LOGO to help students think in new ways, though it didn’t always work as well as hoped.

Practice

See also: Instructional design

E-learning can help students learn in different ways, from using no technology at all to learning completely online. There are many ways to describe how much technology is used. For example, "hybrid learning" or "blended learning" might mean using classroom tools and laptops, or it might mean spending less time in class and more time learning online. "Distributed learning" can talk about the online part of hybrid learning or fully online learning.

E-learning can happen at the same time or at different times. When learning happens at the same time, everyone is together online, like in a live class or chat room. This helps students learn from each other and share ideas. When learning happens at different times, students can work on their own schedule. They might use emails, blogs, wikis, or discussion boards to talk and share work.

Computer-based training (CBT) is learning on a computer or tablet, often like reading a book online. It’s good for teaching things like using software or solving math problems. CBT can include videos or animations to help learning. But making good CBT can be hard and needs a lot of work.

Computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) is when students work together on learning tasks. With tools like blogs, wikis, and social media, students can share ideas and learn from each other. This is different from just the teacher giving information. Collaborative learning can be fun and help students stay interested. Apps designed like games can make learning more enjoyable and keep students motivated.

The flipped classroom is a way of teaching where students first learn at home using videos or online tools. Then, in class, they do more complex activities with the teacher. This can help students learn better and feel more involved, but it needs good internet access and can be harder for teachers to plan.

Technologies

Many types of tools are used to help with learning and teaching. These include digital cameras, video cameras, interactive whiteboards, document cameras, electronic media, and LCD projectors. You can also use blogs, collaborative software, ePortfolios, and virtual classrooms together.

Computers and tablets let students and teachers visit websites and use apps. Mobile devices such as clickers and smartphones help with learning by letting students share ideas and get quick feedback. These devices can also help students with special needs improve their communication and learning.

Group webpages, blogs, wikis, and Twitter let learners and teachers share thoughts and ideas. Social networking sites help people talk about schoolwork and work together.

There are three types of whiteboards. The first kind looks like old blackboards but is white. Virtual whiteboards work like computer programs where you can write or draw. Interactive whiteboards let teachers and students write on a touch screen.

A virtual learning environment (VLE) is like a pretend classroom online. It mixes different ways to talk and share, like video, sound, and chat. Students can raise their hands, answer questions, or take tests. Teachers can let students share their screens and notes.

A learning management system (LMS) is software that helps give, track, and manage learning. It keeps track of who is in class and how students are doing. Teachers can post news, grade work, and chat with students. Students can turn in work, answer questions, and take quizzes.

Other tools include iPads, Chromebooks, laptops, and digital textbooks. There are also special tools for music, art, and math.

Standards and ecosystem

Main article: Learning object

Learning objects

Content and design in learning have many parts. One way to think about it looks at five ideas:

• Fact – special details (like symbols in a math formula, or parts of a learning goal)
• Concept – a group with many examples (like math formulas, or different learning designs)
• Process – a series of steps or actions (like how a computer program works, or steps in a learning plan)
• Procedure – a list of steps to follow (like putting numbers into a program, or steps in a learning step)
• Strategic principle – a way to do something using rules (like making a plan in a program, or using a guide to build a learning space)

Artificial intelligence

See also: Artificial intelligence in education and ChatGPT in education

People have studied and created artificial intelligence since at least 1956, when experts began looking at how humans and machines think and learn. Early uses of AI in schools were to help students learn better by giving quick and personal help. These tools can keep students learning just above what they already know, helping them grow.

A new kind of AI got a lot of attention in November 2022. Some schools worried about students using it to do their work for them, but later allowed it again. While it can help teachers and students in many ways, it can also make mistakes or show unfair ideas. Teachers need training, and schools need rules to use these tools safely. Even though AI can help students learn in special ways, it might also change how students feel connected in class.

Settings and sectors

Preschool

Different kinds of electronic tools can be part of preschool life. While parents often enjoy this, we still need more study to understand how it affects young children.

The age when a child starts using technology, like a cellphone or computer, may depend on their development. Things like age-appropriateness, matching values, and mixing fun with learning help choose the best media.

In preschool, technology can be added in many ways. The simplest is using computers, tablets, and audio or video tools in class. There are also many tools for parents and teachers to help young kids learn with technology. Some good choices are recording their work, safe internet use, tools for children with special needs, learning apps, electronic books, and educational videos. Free and paid websites and apps target preschool learning needs, like Starfall, ABC mouse, PBS Kids Video, Teach Me, and Montessori crosswords. Electronic books let kids keep many books on one device, mixing reading with technology. Technology can also help with hand-eye coordination, language, focus, and motivation, and let kids explore new ideas. To use technology well in preschool, it should be used properly, give learning chances, include adults, and match the child’s development. This helps children with special needs, bilingual children, STEM learning, and seeing more diverse worlds.

Coding is now part of early learning, and preschool kids can learn coding skills without screens. Games and activities teach hands-on coding, getting ready for future learning. Minecraft and Roblox are popular apps used by schools that offer free or low-cost access.

Primary and secondary

Main article: Primary education

More students are using online learning, especially those who can’t attend regular schools because of health issues, fear of school violence and school bullying, or parents who want to homeschool but feel unsure. Online schools let students learn safely while avoiding these problems. Online charter schools aren’t limited by place, money, or class size like regular schools.

Online learning is also growing as a help to regular classes. Students with special talents or interests use it to learn more or go beyond their grade level.

Virtual education in K-12 schooling often means virtual schools, and in higher education, it means virtual universities. Virtual schools are “cybercharter schools” with new ways to manage and teach.

Education technology can also help gifted students who feel bored. This can be done with after-school programs or technology-based lessons. 3D printing courses can also give these students the challenge they need. Université de Montréal’s Projet SEUR works with Collège Mont-Royal and La Variable on this.

Higher education

Main article: Online learning in higher education

More college students are taking online classes. About 29% more students are now in online courses, with about 6.7 million students enrolled. In 2009, 44% of students in the US took some or all classes online, and this was expected to rise to 81% by 2014.

Many for-profit colleges now offer online classes, but only about half of private, non-profit schools do. Private schools might join more as costs go down. Staff need training to teach online, knowing both the subject and how to use computers and the internet. Online learning is growing fast, and even top research universities now have online doctoral programs.

Big online courses for many people (MOOCs) have grown a lot but can’t fully replace college learning. Schools like MIT, Stanford, and Princeton University offer classes to the world, but not for credit. Programs like edX started by Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University offer many subjects free, with some charges for official credit. MOOCs have not changed college learning much and grew less after first expanding, but they are still used. Smaller schools use MOOCs to show off special courses. However, many students drop out of MOOCs because they feel alone and don’t interact with others or teachers. Ways to keep students involved, like discussions and online teachers, help but cost more as more students join.

Corporate and professional

Companies use online learning for required compliance training and updates on rules, soft skills, IT skills, continuing professional development (CPD), and other work skills. Companies with products sold far away use online learning to share news about product developments. Most company learning is done when students work on their own time and is managed through learning management systems. The big challenge is to keep staff interested, especially for required training that laws say must happen.

Government and public

Government groups use education technology to train workers and improve skills for the people they help.

Benefits

Using technology in learning can help students practice important skills while teachers manage other tasks. It allows each student to learn at their own pace, which can be very helpful. For example, in India, a big exam used online tools to offer free coaching and help to students, even during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modern technology makes education easier to reach, even for people who cannot attend school regularly. Students can access lessons from home and spend more time on areas they find challenging. Schools like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have shared their materials online for everyone to use.

Students enjoy the convenience of online learning but also value being in a classroom with others. Colleges are finding new ways to make online classes more engaging. Research shows that students often learn faster and feel more positive about classes when computers are used. They can solve problems on their own and improve their writing. Using technology also helps students work together and develop important skills.

Employers now accept online education more than they used to. Many have hired people with online degrees. Educational apps can also help close the gap between students who find learning harder and those who do not.

Disadvantages

Globally, factors like managing change, technology becoming outdated, and partnerships between vendors and developers are major challenges slowing the growth of the educational technology market.

In the US, both state and federal governments, along with private investments, have put money into education. But as of 2013, none were checking if spending on technology really improved student learning. New technologies often come with big promises about changing education, like silent film, radio, and television did before. But these technologies didn’t stay important in everyday school lessons. Technology alone doesn’t make learning better. The focus should be on how learners use technology, not the technology itself. It needs to be seen as part of a bigger change, not just added on.

Some studies show that technology doesn’t always help learning. For example, a study found that babies who watched educational DVDs knew fewer words than babies who didn’t. Also, using technology too much can make it harder for students to work together and build relationships with teachers. While online courses are popular in some places, they haven’t worked well for everyone, especially in developing countries.

Using technology in learning can also have downsides. For example, students might get distracted or find it easier to cheat. Some research even suggests that too much online learning might affect mood. Too many digital devices can make it hard for young people to focus, as their brains get used to switching tasks quickly. This can make it harder to pay attention and learn deeply.

There are also concerns about fairness. Not all children have the same access to technology, which can create gaps in learning. Additionally, some worry that collecting too much data about students through educational technology might invade their privacy.

Teacher training

Teachers need to understand how to use technology well because technology is a tool to help learning, not the goal itself. Good teacher training helps teachers use technology in the classroom effectively.

Technology keeps changing, which can make teachers feel like they always have to learn something new. It can be hard to find good materials that match what students need to learn. Just having occasional training days is not enough. Experts say teachers should think about how different technologies work together, and how they fit with the way people communicate and work in teams today. Using technology can help students learn better, especially since the way people find and use information has changed a lot. This can help all students, no matter how they learn best.

Assessment

Main articles: Educational assessment and Electronic assessment

There are two main ways to think about checking how well educational technology works: looking at the technology itself, and using the technology to check how well students are learning.

One famous example of checking educational technology is the Follow Through project.

When teachers use technology to check on student learning, they can do it in two ways: to see how students are doing during the class (called formative assessment) or to check at the end of a unit or term (called summative assessment). Technology helps teachers understand which students are struggling and why. For example, some classrooms use special tools where each student has a small device. Teachers ask questions, and students answer using their devices. This helps everyone see who understands the material and who needs more help.

Technology also helps with end-of-unit tests and projects. With computers, teachers can give tests that tell students right away if their answers are correct. This quick feedback helps students know how they are doing and where they need to improve. Technology also lets students show what they have learned in many different ways, like through videos or digital presentations.

Electronic assessment uses computers for testing and grading. This can include many types of tests, like multiple-choice questions or even videos of performances. Computers can grade these tests quickly, which helps teachers give students feedback faster. Some important exams, like the SAT in the United States, are now graded using computers.

Analytics

Self-assessment in education technology helps students understand their strengths and areas for improvement. This is important for setting realistic learning goals and tracking progress. One tool that supports this is Analytics, which collects data on student activities. This data is turned into patterns and shown in graphs to help students and teachers see how learning is going. Learning analytics is a field that focuses on analyzing student data to support better learning.

Expenditure

The e-learning industry includes five main areas: consulting, content, technologies, services, and support. In the year 2000, the global value of e-learning was estimated to be over $48 billion. The industry grew quickly, with the worldwide market reaching $6 billion in venture capital over five years by 2014. Self-paced learning alone brought in $35.6 billion in 2011. In North America, e-learning made $23.3 billion in 2013, growing at a rate of 9% for cloud-based tools and learning platforms.