ETEC 511- Foundations of Educational Technology

“In this course, students study the meaning of technology and how different theoretical perspectives influence the meaning of technology. Through an analysis of technology in a globally connected world and case studies of education and technology, students learn how to analyze their own local contexts, issues and concerns.” UBC, MET Program

ETEC 511 was a perfect course to take during my first semester as it helped me understand the various theoretical perspectives pertaining to Educational Technology. It helped me to define what educational technology means. According to the most recent definition of Educational Technology produced by the AECT in 1994, ” Instructional technology is the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning (Januszewski 2001, p.103). 

The major assignment in this course was a paper and group work relating to a chosen topic. I signed up to ‘The Ecology of Educational Technology.’ Each group collaborated to design a week long presentation that involved other students in discussion and discourse. My paper looked at the importance of considering how much technology young children should be involved in. It also tied in the importance of nature to healthy developing children. This paper was an important epiphany for me, as it gave me a realistic perspective about technology and young children. This assignment is linked here.

Taking ETEC 511 gave me knowledge about ‘The Foundations of Educational Technology.’ I also learned more about online learning through posting comments into discussion posts and responding to others, collaborating in a group to design a presentation, and writing and submitting a paper. When I look back I am amazed at how much I have learned about theory and technology, as well as taking an online course.

“The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live.”  -Mortimer Adler

References

Januszewski, A. Educational Technology: The Development of a Concept. Englewood, CO, Libraries Unlimited, Inc., 2001.

Merchant,C. (2002). A conversation with Carolyn Merchant. California Monthly, 112(6).

Zhao, Y. & Frank, K. (2003). Factors affecting techology uses in schools: An ecological perspective. American Educational Research Journal, 40(4), 807-840.

 

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