ETEC 511 e-portfolio

I thought I would compare Hawkridge’s Figure 3 Educational technology map with the one created in our Primer. There are many similarities with some aspects having more emphasis in one over the other. As suspected, the Primer has included more current ideas within educational technology. The widespread use of the internet has created other categories of learning such as online learning and computation.

I find it striking that Hawkridge’s map has a great focus on the theories. For example major philosophical and psychological theories are embedded within. There is cognitive, systems, sociology, philosophy, social psychology etc. Whereas theories was present, but not a major focus in the Primer version. The Primer version had the environment as significant, but Hawkridge has a whole category for it.
Yet some aspects remain significant in both maps. Information processing has emphasis in each map indicating the importance of learning and the ways we acquire learning.

The question:
o What happens to e-learning, educational technology, learning technologies, and new media if and when we can no longer rely on their foundations or when foundations shift?

I wanted to address this fundamental question within the foundations section of our course. I think this is an interesting question to look at. As we saw with the definitions of educational technology, when our thinking or philosophical thinking is changed we must re-define what we have previously stated. The definitions of educational technology shifted with the move from behavioural to cognitive thinking etc. Perhaps we must look at it within the structure of learning in general. When we learn new material we must decide if it is reasonable and then commit it to our knowledge-base. Sometimes this changes how we view a previously learned topic. As with e (with a small e) learning, educational technology, learning technologies, and new media, new information will come up, new philosophies etc. what is important is that we evaluate the changes and embrace. If we cannot rely on foundations, perhaps we rely on new ones. Change (for the most part) only occurs in learning if we are willing to allow it.
I also really like this statement:
“This course is designed from a basis that educational media and learning technologies are not merely tools; educational premises are neither fully durable nor pliable; and actors or agents of education are not merely humans”
I think it reflect the dynamics of educational technology as a field.