Educational Technology WebQuest

Introduction | Task | Resources | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction

The Concept of Educational Technology has been shaped from four different perspectives: media and audiovisual communication, instructional systems, vocational training, and computer systems. Roblyer (2006) has defined educational technology as "the processes and tools involved in addressing educational needs and problems, with an emphasis on applying the most current tools: computers and other electronic technologies" (p. 9). It is important to learn how to use technology to solve specific problems and to complete specific tasks. Our task as teachers will be to choose the specific technologies that better fit our student's needs in relationship to the purpose and topic being taught.

Task

To identify, list, and synthesize the current trends in Educational Technology.

Resources

ISTE - International Society for Technology in Education - a nonprofit professional organization that promotes the effective use of technology in education.
AECT - Association for Educational Communications and Technology - promotes scholarship and best practices for effective teaching and learning in a wide range of areas.

 

Process

    1. Visit and explore the web sites listed.
    2. List the publications made in the last five years.
    3. List the professional activities held during the last year.
    4. List the main areas of research.
    5. Compare and contrast your findings.
    6. Write a one page-essay about your findings.

Evaluation

  1. The student listed at least two publications from each organization
  2. The student listed at least two activities developed by each organization.
  3. The student wrote a paragraph comparing both organizations, their publications, and main interests.

Conclusion and Rubric

You have visited and explored two organization web sites that dedicate their time and effort to promote the use of technology in educational settings. Other organizations such as the ISPI and ITEA also focus on technology integration in education. Also, specific content area organizations include divisions that work with how technology could be integrated in teaching and learning, an example of such is the NCTM. Find more about your area of interst, the organizations that relate to it, and how they envision the use of technology in education.

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Sarah Harris
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October 31, 2006