A personal reflection on educational technology
My understanding of “educational technology” has been shaped by historical developments, constructivist philosophy, and the unique challenges faced in the educational system. In today’s era, educational technology is defined by using computers and digital tools in the classroom and expands beyond mere devices. To me, Educational technology is a framework of contemporary learning environments embedded with rapid technological advancements. In other words, It is an intentional integration of accessible and modern technology with our traditional educational pedagogies to create an engaging learning domain for our students. As an educator with years of experience teaching in my home country and now in Canada, I have observed the expeditious transition in educational technology and its transformative power in the classroom which has positively contributed to student’s learning journey.
The contemporary context of educational technology
In the modern context, educational technology can be defined as a fusion of digital tools, online platforms, and creative pedagogical methods to enhance the learning experience of students. This can include the use of different multimedia such as Canva, Google Classroom, pallet, Duolingo, and many others. In India, educational technology in schools has bridged gaps in delivering quality education and promoting active learning and the application of mobile-based learning platforms has helped students belonging to remote areas to access all these resources.
Historical Context: From Blackboards to Digital Classrooms
Growing up and teaching in India, I was familiar with conventional methods of teaching like blackboards, textbooks, and rote memorization were the standard. In my early years as a teacher, Technology was not a crucial part of the classroom environment. Over time, however, With the rise of internet access and affordable digital devices, there was a drastic shift in the schools that started assimilating digital tools into their teaching practices.
As I read in the book Tony Bates – A short history of educational technology the historical advancements in educational technology from basic computer labs to completely developed online learning platforms have influenced my approach. Early exposure to educational tools such as PowerPoint and digital projectors made me realize that technology is more than just a buzzword, it could make learning more interactive and engaging.
Philosophical Context: Constructivism in the Digital Age
One of the important ideologies that affect my understanding of educational technology is constructivism. Constructivism proposes that learners construct their own understanding through their own experiences and interactions with their surroundings. In an Indian classroom, this philosophy was not a part to put into practice due to large class sizes and curriculum constraints.
However, with the introduction of technology, it becomes easier to create a space for students to engage with learning materials in more significant ways. For example, tools like virtual labs and online discussion forums help students to explore concepts independently and collaboratively. As a physics teacher in India, I saw how these tools could help students think beyond rote memorization and toward deeper conceptual understanding, especially in a subject that benefits from hands-on learning.
To conclude, the growth in internet access and mobile technology offers hope for expanding educational opportunities to underserved communities. Educational technology is not just about using gadgets or software—it’s about creating meaningful learning experiences that empower students to take control of their learning.
