I completely agree with the idea that a definition for ET limits the field of study. ET grows and evolves as the technology that is at its core does, any definition will eventually seem outdated. Is it possible to give a definition to something that is constantly growing and changing? Think about the changes in ET in the last few decades alone. Mobile technology has dramatically changed the idea of a classroom and class hours. Learning, now more than ever before, happens outside of the physical class. With this shift in the learning process, the role of the teacher has had to change as well.

One of the treads in another discussion topic spoke about the feeling from some teachers that they are being ‘systematically phased out’. I believe that the traditional idea of the ‘teacher’ (someone who stands in front of a group of people and disseminates information) is changing. No longer is the teacher the individual with all the answer, but rather the individual who is able to help others find the answers and direct them in the right direction of what they should be learning about. This change in role is what causes the most fear and discomfort for teachers. One would assume that it would be older staff members who would have the most resistance to change, but I have found in my own experiences that age or experience has less to do with the acceptance of ET than the right perspective on education. New and old teachers can embrace ET if they truly believe that it makes a difference in the learning process.