Educational technology, sometimes termed EdTech, aims to improve educational performance by creating, using and managing technological resources in the classroom. Educational technology is often associated with, and encompasses, instructional theory and learning theory. Instructional technology is a growing field of study which uses technology as a means to solve educational challenges, both in the classroom and in distance learning environments. While instructional technology covers the processes and systems of learning and instruction, educational technology includes other systems used in the process of developing human capability. Educational technology includes, but is not limited to, software and hardware, as well as s wikis and blogs, and class websites.
In recent years, the emergence of multiple mobile and ubiquitous technologies has given new motivation to finding innovative ways to implement education technology in order to encourage students now growing up in a digital age to actively participate in learning. EdTech broadens individualized instruction and promotes the development of personalized learning plans through computer and online programs. Students are encouraged to use multimedia components and to incorporate the knowledge they gained in creative ways, which allows some students to individually progress from using low ordered skills gained from drill and practice activities, to higher level thinking through applying concepts creatively and creating simulations. In some cases, the ability to make educational technology individualized may aid in targeting and accommodating different learning styles and levels.
Education Technologies in the Classroom
Smartphone programmed for primary school mathematics learning, part of the "Mati Tec" program sponsored by the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, Mexico City.
Incorporating educational technology into learning can be accomplished for both the classroom and online education programs. Research from the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement has indicated that inquiry and project-based approaches, combined with a focus on curriculum, effectively supports the infusion of educational technologies into the learning and teaching process. For example, in recent years, teachers have used wikis, blogs, podcasts, and websites to disseminate educational content, monitor students' progress, foster interactive and collaborative student activity, and streamline assignments in order to enhance school curriculum and boost student performance. In addition to classroom enhancement, learning technologies also play a major role in full-time distance teaching. While most quality offers still rely on paper, videos and occasional CBT/CBL materials, there is increased use of e-tutoring through forums, instant messaging, and video-conferencing. Courses centered on smaller groups frequently use blended or hybrid designs that mix presence courses with distance activities and use various pedagogical styles.
Educational technology has also revolutionized the accessibility of educational content outside of institutional affiliation. In recent years, OpenCourseWare (OCW), an academic initiative that gives the public access to much of the same course materials used in undergraduate and graduate programs at institutions of higher education, has greatly improved the quality of educational material available for free on the Internet. As of 2008, there were close to 150 collegiate institutions that had operational OpenCourseWare programs, or were in the process of planning such programs. These institutions include Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Michigan. Such programs are an example of how technology can allow more people to have access to information and resources that have originally only been accessible to students at prestigious universities.
Educational technology is vital in teaching "today's" student. This generation of students are labeled "digital natives" because they are the first to grow up with a variety of digital resources. Some of these resources include second generation internet applications labeled web 2.0 tools. These tools allow students to collaborate and share user-created content online. Some of these examples include social networking, blogging, wikis, and forums. Exposing students to these resources make their learning engaging and relevant which can make a difference in their learning and a teacher's pedagogy. This also prepares students for a future workforce that will be reliant on technology.