Educational Technology

Educational technology is the effective use of technological tools in learning. As a concept, it concerns an array of tools, such as media, machines and networking hardware, as well as considering underlying theoretical perspectives for their effective application.

Benefits of incorporating technology into learning may include:

• Improved open access to education, including access to full degree programs
• Better integration for non-full-time students, particularly in continuing education,
• Improved interactions between students and instructors,
• Provision of tools to enable students to independently solve problems,
• Acquisition of technological skills through practice with tools and computers.
• No age-based restrictions on difficulty level, i.e. students can go at their own pace.
• Defray travel costs.
• Easy-to-access course materials.
• Student motivation. According to James Kulik, who studies the effectiveness of computers used for instruction, students usually learn more in less time when receiving computer-based instruction and they like classes more and develop more positive attitudes toward computers in computer-based classes.
• In 2010, 70.3% of American family households had access to the internet. In 2013, according to Canadian Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission Canada, 79% of homes have access to the internet.Students can access and engage with numerous online resources at home.