Module 7: Processes

Foundations of Educational Technology

The Input – Process – Output Paradigm

Input

ConditionsInformation

DataEnvironment

Process

MethodsActions

ProceduresDevelopment

Output

ResultsOutcomesProducts

Ideas

Definition of “Technology”

“The systematic application of scientific or other organized knowledge to practical tasks” (Galbraith, 1967, p. 12).

Hard technology: physical products that result from technological research and development

Soft technology: intellectual processes

Education is a Process

Education is a series of purposeful actions and operations – a process. The goals of education represent desired learning outcomes; thus, education, in general, can be regarded as a process.

Technology can facilitate educational processes

Technological processes are dedicated means, based on scientific thinking, for communicating ideas and taking action to facilitate teaching and learning.

Common misconceptions: Technology is the end rather than the

means Technology is a panacea for all ills of

education Technology can replace people

Alignment of Concept, Theory, & Practice

Conceptual Framework

Theoretical Framework

Practical Framework

Process is conceived as a series of actions directed toward a desired result.

Independent process & collective processes are dedicated to facilitate learning and improve performance.

An instructional strategy (process) based on situated learning moves the student through a learning space that increases its fidelity to a performance space.

Situated Learning SL posits that learning is achieved most productively when students are guided through a graduated series of cases.

1) Sample case2) Practice case3) Action case

Systems Theory

Effective educational technology systems should be: Systemat

ic

Synergistic

Rules & procedure

sPredictabl

y generate consistent

product

SystemicOne part can change

the whole

Responsive relationshi

p

Sum of multiple elements is greater

than sum of individuals

Processes throughout Ed Tech

Study – generating & analyzing data, information, knowledge, wisdom

Ethical Practice – appropriate processes for a given situation

Facilitating Learning – implementation of instructional processes

Improving Performance – processes to improve performance

Creating – efficient development processes for creating effective instructional materials and systems

Managing – proper management of processes