In reading Luppicini’s article, it is stated that:
“What is revealed from exploring ET from the “inside” is that Educational Technology is an
applied and
decision-oriented field developing from multiple sources identified by accrued literatures
produced in the field. This complicates efforts to define Educational Technology and demands a
broad and multi-faceted approach to defining Educational Technology capable of clearly
delineating underlying governing principles, multiple roles, and multiple knowledge bases
associated with the field.” (Luppicini, 2005 p. 4).
To me, this demonstrates the idea that Educational Technology is a very broad field made up of
individual parts. Educational Technology includes areas such as Instructional Design and the
processes that make up that particular branch (analysis, design, development, implementation,
and evaluation). I think of my own position as an Instructional (Educational) Technology
Resource Teacher. My job encompasses so many areas of technology. I am in charge of
different projects and initiatives that together, fit under the cloud of Educational Technology
and Integration. I may be involved in something on the research and development side while at
other times, I may be training and managing the implementation of a technology or concept.
If I were to define Educational Technology, I would state it, simply, as:
“the study of how technology integration, through systemic approaches, affects student
learning”.
Luppicini, R. (2005). A systems definition of educational technology in society. Educational
Technology & Society, 8 (3), 103-109. Retrieved January 17 from
http://www.ifets.info/journals/8_3/10.pdf