Education Technology: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Educational TechnologyEducational Technology
Yesterday, Today, and TomorrowYesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
James LehmanJames Lehman
Purdue UniversityPurdue University

PastPast
Today’s Lesson
History

RootsRoots
Educational technology as we know it todayEducational technology as we know it today
has roots in at least three once-separatehas roots in at least three once-separate
disciplines:disciplines:
– Systematic instructional designSystematic instructional design
– Educational mediaEducational media
– Educational computingEducational computing
Most of this presentation centers on the latter,Most of this presentation centers on the latter,
although they are intertwined.although they are intertwined.

Educational Technology - PastEducational Technology - Past
Instructional
Design
Educational
Media
Educational
Computing

Instructional Design RootsInstructional Design Roots
Instructional design was founded on theInstructional design was founded on the
pioneering work of individuals such aspioneering work of individuals such as
Edward L. Thorndike (at right).Edward L. Thorndike (at right).
Thorndike developed one of the firstThorndike developed one of the first
“scientific” theories of learning. His was the“scientific” theories of learning. His was the
original expression of the stimulus-responseoriginal expression of the stimulus-response
framework of learning that gave rise toframework of learning that gave rise to
behaviorism.behaviorism.

Theoretical PerspectivesTheoretical Perspectives
The field has been influenced by three majorThe field has been influenced by three major
theoretical perspectives over the last century:theoretical perspectives over the last century:
– BehaviorismBehaviorism
– CognitivismCognitivism
– ConstructivismConstructivism
Although behaviorism came first, famousAlthough behaviorism came first, famous
educator John Dewey, a contemporary ofeducator John Dewey, a contemporary of
Thorndike, is often credited as the founder ofThorndike, is often credited as the founder of
constructivist thought in education.constructivist thought in education.

Designing InstructionDesigning Instruction
The growing understanding of the process ofThe growing understanding of the process of
human learning in the 20human learning in the 20thth
century supportedcentury supported
the notion that instruction could bethe notion that instruction could be
systematically designed to produce learning.systematically designed to produce learning.
Concepts such as individualized instruction,Concepts such as individualized instruction,
instructional task analysis, and the use ofinstructional task analysis, and the use of
objectives to describe what students shouldobjectives to describe what students should
learn arose as early as the 1920s and 1930s.learn arose as early as the 1920s and 1930s.

Shifting ParadigmsShifting Paradigms
The behavioral view of learningThe behavioral view of learning
dominated instructional design throughdominated instructional design through
the 1940s and 1950s, particularly thethe 1940s and 1950s, particularly the
influential work of B.F. Skinner.influential work of B.F. Skinner.
In the 1960s, the cognitive view ofIn the 1960s, the cognitive view of
learning came to the forefront as worklearning came to the forefront as work
by people like Robert Gagnby people like Robert Gagné began toé began to
displace behavioral thinking.displace behavioral thinking.

Shifting ParadigmsShifting Paradigms
In the 1980s, a constructivist perspective ofIn the 1980s, a constructivist perspective of
learning began to exert significant influencelearning began to exert significant influence
on the field.on the field.
Beginning then, more student-centeredBeginning then, more student-centered
approaches, such as discovery learning,approaches, such as discovery learning,
problem-based learning, situated cognition,problem-based learning, situated cognition,
and social learning became the subject ofand social learning became the subject of
increasing attention in the field.increasing attention in the field.

Educational Media RootsEducational Media Roots
Media have been of interest in educationMedia have been of interest in education
since the late 19since the late 19thth
and early 20and early 20thth
centuriescenturies
when visuals and real objects emerged as awhen visuals and real objects emerged as a
way to help people learn.way to help people learn.

The training effort during World War II,The training effort during World War II,
and subsequent developments,and subsequent developments,
helped to link instructional design withhelped to link instructional design with
mediated and mechanical delivery systems.mediated and mechanical delivery systems.
WWII training relied heavily mediatedWWII training relied heavily mediated
instruction, a model for later education.instruction, a model for later education.

Films, and later radio, TV, and computersFilms, and later radio, TV, and computers
were the object of much excitement becausewere the object of much excitement because
of the belief that media that could promoteof the belief that media that could promote
learning.learning.
However, until recently, all media wereHowever, until recently, all media were
separately developed and managed.separately developed and managed.

Educational Computing RootsEducational Computing Roots
Most developments in computing occurred inMost developments in computing occurred in
about the last half of the 20about the last half of the 20thth
century.century.
However, precedents were set earlier.However, precedents were set earlier.
– Abacus, circa 3000 B.C.Abacus, circa 3000 B.C.
– Pascal’s adding machine, 1642Pascal’s adding machine, 1642
– Jacquard’s loom, 1801Jacquard’s loom, 1801
– BBaabbbbaaggee’’ss aananallyticyticaall eennginginee,, 11883344
– Hollerith’s electric tabulator, 1889Hollerith’s electric tabulator, 1889

Educational Computing RootsEducational Computing Roots
Early computers developed around theEarly computers developed around the
middle of the 20middle of the 20thth
century included:century included:
– ABC Computer, developed by Atanasoff and BerryABC Computer, developed by Atanasoff and Berry
at Iowa Stateat Iowa State
– IBM/Harvard Mark I and II developed by AikenIBM/Harvard Mark I and II developed by Aiken
– ENIAC, developed by Mauchly and Eckert atENIAC, developed by Mauchly and Eckert at
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania
– EDVAC, developed by von Neumann also at PennEDVAC, developed by von Neumann also at Penn
– Colossus, a British computer secretly built duringColossus, a British computer secretly built during
WWII to break German codes.WWII to break German codes.
– UNIVAC I, the first commercial computerUNIVAC I, the first commercial computer

Computing - pastComputing - past
First generation computers used vacuumFirst generation computers used vacuum
tubes.tubes.
The 2The 2ndnd
generation used transistors.generation used transistors.
The 3The 3rdrd
generation relied on integratedgeneration relied on integrated
circuits.circuits.
Today’s 4Today’s 4thth
generation models use very large-generation models use very large-
scale integrated circuitry.scale integrated circuitry.

In 1971, Ted Hoff at Intel CorporationIn 1971, Ted Hoff at Intel Corporation
developed the first microprocessor, adeveloped the first microprocessor, a
computer on a single silicon chip.computer on a single silicon chip.
In 1972, handheld calculators began toIn 1972, handheld calculators began to
appear, Pong - the first video game wasappear, Pong - the first video game was
invented, and Wang developed a wordinvented, and Wang developed a word
processing system.processing system.
In 1973, Xerox PARC researchers inventedIn 1973, Xerox PARC researchers invented
the mouse and graphical user interface.the mouse and graphical user interface.

In 1975, a company called MITS beganIn 1975, a company called MITS began
marketing the Altair personal computermarketing the Altair personal computer
kit. IBM introduced the laser printer.kit. IBM introduced the laser printer.
In 1977, led by upstart Apple Computer,In 1977, led by upstart Apple Computer,
the first ready-to-run personalthe first ready-to-run personal
computers were released. Microsoftcomputers were released. Microsoft
was founded.was founded.
In 1979, the first spreadsheet, Visicalc,In 1979, the first spreadsheet, Visicalc,
was released and became the firstwas released and became the first
“killer app” for personal computers.“killer app” for personal computers.

In 1981, IBM made the movementIn 1981, IBM made the movement
“legitimate” by releasing the first IBM-PC.“legitimate” by releasing the first IBM-PC.
Microsoft, led by Bill Gates, was chosenMicrosoft, led by Bill Gates, was chosen
to provide the operating system.to provide the operating system.
In 1982, the computer was chosen TimeIn 1982, the computer was chosen Time
Magazine “Man of the Year.” TCP/IP becameMagazine “Man of the Year.” TCP/IP became
the standard for ARPANET.the standard for ARPANET.
In 1983, Apple released the Lisa. Though aIn 1983, Apple released the Lisa. Though a
commercial flop, it led to the subsequentcommercial flop, it led to the subsequent
Macintosh.Macintosh.

In 1984, Apple released the MacintoshIn 1984, Apple released the Macintosh
computer with a now-famous Orwellian adcomputer with a now-famous Orwellian ad
during the Super Bowl. The CD-ROM wasduring the Super Bowl. The CD-ROM was
developed by Sony and Philips.developed by Sony and Philips.
In 1985, Microsoft released the first version ofIn 1985, Microsoft released the first version of
Windows.Windows.
In 1991, Tim Berners-Lee at CERNIn 1991, Tim Berners-Lee at CERN
developed the World Wide Web.developed the World Wide Web.
In 1992, Windows 3.1 was released. ItIn 1992, Windows 3.1 was released. It
established Windows as the dominant OS.established Windows as the dominant OS.

In 1993, Apple introduced the Newton, the firstIn 1993, Apple introduced the Newton, the first
popular PDA. Mosaic, the first popular webpopular PDA. Mosaic, the first popular web
browser, was released by NCSA.browser, was released by NCSA.
In 1994, Netscape’s first browser was released.In 1994, Netscape’s first browser was released.
In 1995, Windows 95 was released, completingIn 1995, Windows 95 was released, completing
Microsoft’s transition to a Mac-like GUI.Microsoft’s transition to a Mac-like GUI.
In 1996, the number of Web hosts passedIn 1996, the number of Web hosts passed
10,000,000.10,000,000.
In 2000, the number of Web hosts passedIn 2000, the number of Web hosts passed
100,000,000.100,000,000.

Education - pastEducation - past
The first experiments in the use of computersThe first experiments in the use of computers
for education date back to the late 1950s andfor education date back to the late 1950s and
early 1960s, well before PCs. These earlyearly 1960s, well before PCs. These early
efforts focused on the computer as aefforts focused on the computer as a
“teaching machine” useful for drill and“teaching machine” useful for drill and
practice and content tutorials.practice and content tutorials.
Patrick Suppes from Stanford isPatrick Suppes from Stanford is
sometimes credited with being thesometimes credited with being the
“father of CAI” for his early work in this field.“father of CAI” for his early work in this field.

The largest early effort was PLATO,The largest early effort was PLATO,
developed by Donald Bitzer and associates atdeveloped by Donald Bitzer and associates at
the University of Illinois beginning in the earlythe University of Illinois beginning in the early
1960s. Authoring tools and many packages1960s. Authoring tools and many packages
developed for PLATO were ultimately porteddeveloped for PLATO were ultimately ported
to personal computers.to personal computers.
TICCIT, guided by Victor Bunderson at BYU,TICCIT, guided by Victor Bunderson at BYU,
was another large-scale early project. It waswas another large-scale early project. It was
notable for approaching CAI from annotable for approaching CAI from an
instructional design perspective.instructional design perspective.

When PCs first emerged, emphasis wasWhen PCs first emerged, emphasis was
placed on teaching children to program. Thisplaced on teaching children to program. This
was largely due to the lack of preparedwas largely due to the lack of prepared
software and availability of programmingsoftware and availability of programming
languages.languages.
It spawned a “computer literacy” movement, aIt spawned a “computer literacy” movement, a
term coined by Arthur Luehrmann, whichterm coined by Arthur Luehrmann, which
focused mainly on knowledge offocused mainly on knowledge of
programming.programming.

As educational programs began toAs educational programs began to
appear, much emphasis shifted toappear, much emphasis shifted to
computer assisted instruction and many ofcomputer assisted instruction and many of
the ideas first developed by PLATO andthe ideas first developed by PLATO and
TICCIT.TICCIT.
Another school of thought emphasizedAnother school of thought emphasized
student development of understandingstudent development of understanding
using education friendly computerusing education friendly computer
languages such as Logo, developed bylanguages such as Logo, developed by
Seymour Papert and associates at MIT.Seymour Papert and associates at MIT.

In 1980, Robert Taylor of Teachers’ College,In 1980, Robert Taylor of Teachers’ College,
Columbia, placed computer uses in educationColumbia, placed computer uses in education
into three categoriesinto three categories
– Tutor: the computer acts like a human tutor (e.g.,Tutor: the computer acts like a human tutor (e.g.,
CAI as represented by PLATO and other projects)CAI as represented by PLATO and other projects)
– Tool: the computer aids in the performance ofTool: the computer aids in the performance of
everyday work (e.g., word processing)everyday work (e.g., word processing)
– Tutee: the computer “learns” what it is taught (e.g.,Tutee: the computer “learns” what it is taught (e.g.,
programming via Logo or other tools)programming via Logo or other tools)

In more recent years, the emphasis inIn more recent years, the emphasis in
educational computing has shifted to subjecteducational computing has shifted to subject
matter integration, using the computer as amatter integration, using the computer as a
tool to support teaching and learning intool to support teaching and learning in
specific disciplines. Teachingspecific disciplines. Teaching aboutabout
technology takes a back seat to teaching andtechnology takes a back seat to teaching and
learninglearning withwith technology.technology.

PresentPresent
Today’s Lesson
Trends

Educational Technology TodayEducational Technology Today
Today, instructional design, educationalToday, instructional design, educational
media, and educational computing are robustmedia, and educational computing are robust
fields of endeavor.fields of endeavor.
They influence formal and informal education,They influence formal and informal education,
the training sector, and segments of society.the training sector, and segments of society.

Educational Technology TodayEducational Technology Today
What are some educational technologyWhat are some educational technology
trends that we can see today?trends that we can see today?

Discipline Convergence
Instructional
Design
Educational
Media
Educational
Computing

Instructional
Design
Educational
Media
Educational
Computing

Educational
Technology

ID Theory BaseID Theory Base
Behavioral perspectiveBehavioral perspective
Cognitive perspectiveCognitive perspective
Constructivist perspectiveConstructivist perspective

ID Theory BaseID Theory Base
Behavioral perspectiveBehavioral perspective
Cognitive perspectiveCognitive perspective
Constructivist perspectiveConstructivist perspective
or an eclectic viewor an eclectic view

ID EmphasisID Emphasis
Pre-designed education and trainingPre-designed education and training
materialsmaterials
Just-in-time education and training,Just-in-time education and training,
learning objects, rapid prototyping, andlearning objects, rapid prototyping, and
collaborative construction of materialscollaborative construction of materials

Media ConvergenceMedia Convergence

Computing DevelopmentsComputing Developments
Today’s PCs are a significant advance overToday’s PCs are a significant advance over
the first models.the first models.
Moore’s Law, originally postulated in 1965,Moore’s Law, originally postulated in 1965,
predicted that the number of transistors on apredicted that the number of transistors on a
integrated circuit would double every 18integrated circuit would double every 18
months. Though Moore forecast it would holdmonths. Though Moore forecast it would hold
true through 1975, it is still holding true today.true through 1975, it is still holding true today.

NetworkingNetworking
In 1969, ARPANET, the forerunner of theIn 1969, ARPANET, the forerunner of the
Internet, began with 4 hostsInternet, began with 4 hosts
By 1987, there were 10,000 hostsBy 1987, there were 10,000 hosts
By 1992, there were 1,000,000By 1992, there were 1,000,000
By 1996, there were 10,000,000By 1996, there were 10,000,000
Today, there are 250,000,000+Today, there are 250,000,000+

Software - presentSoftware - present
Software has improved dramatically since theSoftware has improved dramatically since the
introduction of the PC.introduction of the PC.
Text-based operating systems have givenText-based operating systems have given
way to the GUI, originally invented at Xeroxway to the GUI, originally invented at Xerox
PARC, popularized by the Apple Macintosh,PARC, popularized by the Apple Macintosh,
and now embodied in Windows.and now embodied in Windows.
Voice recognition is here but not yetVoice recognition is here but not yet
widespread.widespread.

Software - presentSoftware - present
A wide array of powerful productivity tools forA wide array of powerful productivity tools for
the PC (e.g., word processors, databases,the PC (e.g., word processors, databases,
spreadsheets, desktop publishing software) isspreadsheets, desktop publishing software) is
now available.now available.
Educational software has improved greatly inEducational software has improved greatly in
quality, and many titles are available.quality, and many titles are available.
The Web has made huge quantities ofThe Web has made huge quantities of
information as well as software readilyinformation as well as software readily
available.available.

Computers in Schools TodayComputers in Schools Today

Computers in SchoolsComputers in Schools
There are about 14 million computers in K-12There are about 14 million computers in K-12
schools in the U.S. The student-to-computerschools in the U.S. The student-to-computer
ratio fell from about 40:1 in 1985 to less thanratio fell from about 40:1 in 1985 to less than
4:1 today. The ratio of students to Internet4:1 today. The ratio of students to Internet
connected classroom computers is about 8:1.connected classroom computers is about 8:1.
Dell is the largest single brand (46%),Dell is the largest single brand (46%),
followed by Apple Macintosh (27%),followed by Apple Macintosh (27%),
HP/Compaq (18%), and Gateway (10%).HP/Compaq (18%), and Gateway (10%).
Apple, while still strong in the K-12 market,Apple, while still strong in the K-12 market,
has slowly been losing market share.has slowly been losing market share.

Nationally, annual K-12 technology spendingNationally, annual K-12 technology spending
is $5+ billion, down slightly from a high ofis $5+ billion, down slightly from a high of
nearly $7 billion several years ago.nearly $7 billion several years ago.
Per pupil expenditures:Per pupil expenditures:
– $71 -- hardware$71 -- hardware
– $17 -- software$17 -- software
– $9 -- outside services$9 -- outside services
– $6 -- staff development$6 -- staff development

About 99% of schools, and 87% ofAbout 99% of schools, and 87% of
instructional rooms, are connected to theinstructional rooms, are connected to the
Internet.Internet.
Schools with higher percentages of poor andSchools with higher percentages of poor and
minority students lag behind other schools butminority students lag behind other schools but
only slightly.only slightly.
Newer technologies are increasing: laptopsNewer technologies are increasing: laptops
(54% of schools), wireless networks (45%),(54% of schools), wireless networks (45%),
and instructional whiteboards (30%).and instructional whiteboards (30%).

Half of schools report that 90% or more of teachersHalf of schools report that 90% or more of teachers
use computers daily, and 74% of students use it atuse computers daily, and 74% of students use it at
least an hour a week.least an hour a week.
Better performing schools have somewhat more tech-Better performing schools have somewhat more tech-
savvy teacherssavvy teachers
Above AverageAbove Average Below AverageBelow Average
Teacher BeginnerTeacher Beginner 15%15% 23%23%
Teacher IntermediateTeacher Intermediate 61%61% 55%55%
Teacher AdvancedTeacher Advanced 16%16% 12%12%
Teacher Use of InternetTeacher Use of Internet 80%80% 72%72%

Distance LearningDistance Learning
About 25% of schools report having distanceAbout 25% of schools report having distance
learning programs for students.learning programs for students.
28 states have now established state virtual28 states have now established state virtual
schools; 12 states have at least one virtualschools; 12 states have at least one virtual
charter school.charter school.
While hard data are not available, it appearsWhile hard data are not available, it appears
that online course management systems arethat online course management systems are
spreading from higher ed to K-12.spreading from higher ed to K-12.

Why Use Technology in Education?Why Use Technology in Education?
MotivationMotivation
– Attention, engagement, controlAttention, engagement, control
Unique instructional capabilitiesUnique instructional capabilities
– Finding information, visualizing, linking learnersFinding information, visualizing, linking learners
Support for new instructional approachesSupport for new instructional approaches
– Cooperative learning, problem solving, shared intelligenceCooperative learning, problem solving, shared intelligence
Increased teacher productivityIncreased teacher productivity
– Record keeping, better materials, freeing timeRecord keeping, better materials, freeing time
Required skills for an information ageRequired skills for an information age
– Information literacy, visual literacy, technology literacyInformation literacy, visual literacy, technology literacy
Source: Roblyer, M. D. (2004). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching.

Horizon TechnologiesHorizon Technologies

Laptop ComputersLaptop Computers
Laptop computers offer more flexibility thatLaptop computers offer more flexibility that
desktops; 54% of schools are now usingdesktops; 54% of schools are now using
laptops.laptops.

Handheld ComputingHandheld Computing
Handheld devices, like Palm Pilots andHandheld devices, like Palm Pilots and
Pocket PCs, are proliferating and growing inPocket PCs, are proliferating and growing in
sophistication. About 8% of schools providesophistication. About 8% of schools provide
them for teachers, and about 4% use themthem for teachers, and about 4% use them
with students.with students.

Wireless ConnectivityWireless Connectivity
IEEE 802.11 – wireless LANs support fairlyIEEE 802.11 – wireless LANs support fairly
wide range (up to hundreds of feet) andwide range (up to hundreds of feet) and
reasonably fast connections (11 Mbs for breasonably fast connections (11 Mbs for b
and 54 Mbs for g).and 54 Mbs for g).
Bluetooth – emerging wireless standard forBluetooth – emerging wireless standard for
short-range connectivity to a variety ofshort-range connectivity to a variety of
devices, such as printersdevices, such as printers

BroadbandBroadband
DSL and cable modems, for example, provideDSL and cable modems, for example, provide
much faster connectivity to network resourcesmuch faster connectivity to network resources
than standard 56K telephone modems. Aboutthan standard 56K telephone modems. About
45% of homes and 84% of schools report45% of homes and 84% of schools report
having broadband Internet connections.having broadband Internet connections.

Web TechnologiesWeb Technologies
DHTMLDHTML
XMLXML
JavaJava
C# (part of Microsoft’s .NET)C# (part of Microsoft’s .NET)
Open sourceOpen source

Speech and Writing RecognitionSpeech and Writing Recognition
Current generation speech recognitionCurrent generation speech recognition
programs, Dragon NaturallySpeaking andprograms, Dragon NaturallySpeaking and
IBM ViaVoice, are pretty good when trainedIBM ViaVoice, are pretty good when trained
by an individual.by an individual.
AT&T and others are developing genericAT&T and others are developing generic
speech recognition technologies that requirespeech recognition technologies that require
no training.no training.
Tablet PCs boast decent handwritingTablet PCs boast decent handwriting
recognition.recognition.

Virtual RealityVirtual Reality
Virtual reality systems give the user theVirtual reality systems give the user the
illusion of operating within a three-illusion of operating within a three-
dimensional environment that responds to thedimensional environment that responds to the
user’s motion within it.user’s motion within it.

Distributed IntelligenceDistributed Intelligence
An increasing range of appliances andAn increasing range of appliances and
objects are becoming equipped with aobjects are becoming equipped with a
computer processor and so be capable ofcomputer processor and so be capable of
“smart” interaction with people. Some people“smart” interaction with people. Some people
refer to this as ubiquitous computing.refer to this as ubiquitous computing.

Electronic Ink / Paper / BooksElectronic Ink / Paper / Books
eBooks, portable devices that can holdeBooks, portable devices that can hold
downloaded books, are already available.downloaded books, are already available.
Electronic ink or paper is a developingElectronic ink or paper is a developing
technology in which microcapsules,technology in which microcapsules,
embedded within a thin film that can beembedded within a thin film that can be
mounted in tablet or possibly even somethingmounted in tablet or possibly even something
like normal paper, can display print inlike normal paper, can display print in
response to electrical signals.response to electrical signals.

NanotechnologyNanotechnology
Nanotechnology, involving manipulation atNanotechnology, involving manipulation at
the molecular level, is among the most highlythe molecular level, is among the most highly
touted of coming technologiestouted of coming technologies
– Chip development (Intel predicts a 1-billionChip development (Intel predicts a 1-billion
transistor, 20 GHz chip by 2007)transistor, 20 GHz chip by 2007)
– NanotubesNanotubes
– Miniature machines, such as robotsMiniature machines, such as robots
– Materials assemblyMaterials assembly

The FutureThe Future
Distributed Learning

Predicting the FuturePredicting the Future
Predicting the future can be a notoriouslyPredicting the future can be a notoriously
tricky proposition. A few examples:tricky proposition. A few examples:
– ““Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible.”Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible.”
» Lord Kelvin, President, Royal Society, 1895Lord Kelvin, President, Royal Society, 1895
– ““Everything that can be invented has beenEverything that can be invented has been
invented.”invented.”
» Charles Duell, U.S. Office of Patents, 1899Charles Duell, U.S. Office of Patents, 1899
– ““I think there is a world market for maybe fiveI think there is a world market for maybe five
computers.”computers.”
» Thomas Watson, Chairman, IBM, 1943Thomas Watson, Chairman, IBM, 1943
Source: Time magazine, July 15, 1996

Predicting the FuturePredicting the Future
Given the trends and horizonGiven the trends and horizon
technologies discussed, how dotechnologies discussed, how do
you think these will affect educationyou think these will affect education
and training in the future?and training in the future?

Education - futureEducation - future

Some experts argue that with the emergenceSome experts argue that with the emergence
of multimedia software and the deliveryof multimedia software and the delivery
vehicle of the Internet, schooling as we knowvehicle of the Internet, schooling as we know
it has become obsolete. They suggest weit has become obsolete. They suggest we
should do away with schools as they nowshould do away with schools as they now
exist.exist.
This is one extreme position.This is one extreme position.

Others argue that computer technology is justOthers argue that computer technology is just
a flash in the pan, the latest in a long line ofa flash in the pan, the latest in a long line of
educational technology innovations that haveeducational technology innovations that have
promised more than they delivered. Theypromised more than they delivered. They
suggest we should forget about technologysuggest we should forget about technology
and get back to schooling as usual.and get back to schooling as usual.
This is another extreme position.This is another extreme position.

It is possible to envision a more moderateIt is possible to envision a more moderate
future that lies between these extremes.future that lies between these extremes.
F
U
T
U
R
E

Computers and, increasingly, smallerComputers and, increasingly, smaller
computing devices will become commonplacecomputing devices will become commonplace
tools for teachers and students. They willtools for teachers and students. They will
connect wirelessly and become an integralconnect wirelessly and become an integral
part of the teaching and learning process.part of the teaching and learning process.
The greatest emphasis will be given to usingThe greatest emphasis will be given to using
technology tools for real work on authentictechnology tools for real work on authentic
tasks.tasks.

In a few years, increased processing andIn a few years, increased processing and
storage capacity along with softwarestorage capacity along with software
advances are likely to make voice interfacingadvances are likely to make voice interfacing
with computing devices more widespread,with computing devices more widespread,
perhaps even commonplace.perhaps even commonplace.
Full multimedia capability, including routineFull multimedia capability, including routine
access to and storage of video, will also beaccess to and storage of video, will also be
possible.possible.

With access to huge stores of multimediaWith access to huge stores of multimedia
information, education will focus less oninformation, education will focus less on
information delivery and more on finding,information delivery and more on finding,
evaluating, and using information.evaluating, and using information.
The teacher’s role will increasingly shift fromThe teacher’s role will increasingly shift from
the “sage on the stage” to the “guide on thethe “sage on the stage” to the “guide on the
side.”side.”

With improving technology and increasingWith improving technology and increasing
networking, education will become availablenetworking, education will become available
anytime and anywhere.anytime and anywhere.
Higher education, of necessity, will work toHigher education, of necessity, will work to
reach growing non-traditional audiences.reach growing non-traditional audiences.
K-12 is likely to embrace distributed learningK-12 is likely to embrace distributed learning
support of education much as colleges dosupport of education much as colleges do
today, and distance education will meet nichetoday, and distance education will meet niche
needs in the K-12 setting.needs in the K-12 setting.

Life-long learning will become the norm, andLife-long learning will become the norm, and
technology will be one tool that helpstechnology will be one tool that helps
educators reach those who need continuingeducators reach those who need continuing
education.education.
Pressures from the private sector mayPressures from the private sector may
jeopardize some higher education institutionsjeopardize some higher education institutions
or even drive marginal ones out of business.or even drive marginal ones out of business.
But, larger institutions will likely persist.But, larger institutions will likely persist.

Given the prevalence of the Internet as aGiven the prevalence of the Internet as a
resource and delivery system, instructionalresource and delivery system, instructional
design will increasingly focus on it and on thedesign will increasingly focus on it and on the
design of systems and learning environmentsdesign of systems and learning environments
that help individuals access availablethat help individuals access available
resources and training just-in-time, useresources and training just-in-time, use
granular modules to flexibly meet differinggranular modules to flexibly meet differing
needs, and facilitate people working togetherneeds, and facilitate people working together
to solve problems.to solve problems.

Computers and allied technologies areComputers and allied technologies are
unlikely ever to replace traditional face-to-unlikely ever to replace traditional face-to-
face teaching and learning. There is much toface teaching and learning. There is much to
be said for face-to-face mentoring andbe said for face-to-face mentoring and
acculturation.acculturation.
But, technology probably will change the faceBut, technology probably will change the face
of the teaching and learning landscape thatof the teaching and learning landscape that
we know today.we know today.

It is incumbent upon educators today to beginIt is incumbent upon educators today to begin
preparing for the changing educationpreparing for the changing education
paradigms of tomorrow.paradigms of tomorrow.

Education Technology: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

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