Roles and Functions of Educational

Technology in the 21st Century

• The term “21st century” has become the central part of educational thinking and planning for the future.

• Creating a 21st century education system is about making sure that all students are prepared to succeed in a competitive world.

• Globalization has opened up the world and allowed people to connect in new exciting ways.• We transmit our values and cultures

without the expectation of them being adopted by our audience – just accepted by them.

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY• Educational technology basically means

all the intellectual and operational efforts made during recent years to regroup, arrange and systematize the application of scientific methods to the organization of new sets of equipment and material so as to optimize learning process. ( British Journal of Educational Technology, 1971)

• Educational technology is the development, application and evaluation of systems, techniques and aids to improve the process of human learning. (Lucido and Borbaro, 1997).

ROLES OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

• Technology allows for 24/7 access to information;• Constant social interaction;• Easily created and shared digital content;• Serves as an teaching aid in teaching-learning process;• Gives new information to both teacher and the

learner;• Source of knowledge for every students;• Makes the lesson easier and faster; and• Provides interest to both teachers and learners.

IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

1. Improvement of Teaching It tries to find out the different variables of teaching , their interlinks, effects upon each other, relationships, theories of teaching, phases of teaching principles in teaching, maxims of teaching. Developing the theories of teaching , it helps in improving the quality of education

2. Analysis of the Teaching –Learning Process Educational technology aims at analyzing the process of teaching –learning process thoroughly. Tries to establish better relationship between teaching and learning.

3. Improvement of Learning It facilitate more and more of learning in less time. It takes the help of various empirically established generalizations from psychology , sociology, physical sciences, engineering etc.4. Enhancing Goals of EducationThe objectives of education are being reviewed and revised with the passage of time. Educational technology helps in enhancing the right objectives in the light of the changed circumstances and changed environment5. Training to Teachers The changed of environment with new curriculum and new materials is to be handled by the teachers. Right type of training to the teachers is the need of the hour. Educational technology can render its valuable help in training of teachers also.

6. Development of Curriculum Keeping in view the objectives of education, which have been finalized by education technology thereafter, comes the developing right type of curriculum. Only a suitable type of curriculum will help in the attainment of goals.7. Development of Teaching-Learning MaterialsTeaching l-learning materials are also important as anything else in the teaching-learning process.8. Teaching – Learning StrategiesA strategy plays an important role in the hands of teacher in every teaching-learning situation. The strategy has to be the right one which should be according to the materials and is able to bring about effective teaching learning.

9. Development of Audio-Visual AidsAudio-Visual aids have always played an important role in teaching –learning process. They need be used according to the times.10. Help in Overall ImprovementEducational technology helps in locating the problems in the different areas of education. It also helps in remedying the draw-backs. 11. Identification of Needs of the CommunityEducational technology identifies the needs of the community. It helps in providing equal education opportunities to backward people, disadvantaged students and deprived sections of the society.

There is a call for action to integrate technology as a fundamental building blocks into education in three broad

areas• Use technology comprehensively to

develop proficiency in 21st century skills-

Even if all students mastered core academic subjects, they still would be woefully underprepared to succeed in postsecondary institutions and workplaces, which increasingly value people who can use their knowledge to communicate, collaborate, analyze, create, innovate and solve problems.

• Use technology comprehensively to support innovative teaching and learning

To keep pace with a changing world, schools need to offer more rigorous, relevant and engaging opportunities for students to learn-and to apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful ways.

• Use technology comprehensively to create robust education support system

To be effective in schools and classrooms, teachers and administrators need training, tools and proficiency in 21st century skills themselves. Used comprehensively, technology transforms standards and assessments, curriculum and instruction, professional development, learning environments and administration.