History of Educational Technology

By Sophia_Keane
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    Foundations of Educational Technology

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    Early forms of educational media, such as film, radio, and instructional television, are used in classrooms.

    These media represent the earliest forms of technology being used for educational purposes.
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    B.F. Skinner's behaviorist theory leads to the creation of teaching machines and programmed instruction.

    This early phase laid the groundwork for later instructional technology and design models focused on reinforcement and measurable outcomes.
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    Rise of Instructional Design

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    Robert Gagné’s work on "The Conditions of Learning" sets the stage for the development of systematic instructional design.

    Gagné’s model became the foundation for instructional design and is still referenced today.
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    Growth in the field of instructional design due to advances in psychology and technology. Nations like South Korea, Liberia, and Indonesia embracing instructional design to solve educational challenges(Partridge & Tennyson, 1979; Redfield & Dick, 1984)

    The 1970s was a period when instructional design started to be recognized as a formal discipline worldwide.

  • The first publication of The Journal of Instructional Development (predecessor to Educational Technology Research and Development).

    This journal served as a major platform for the discussion and dissemination of research on instructional design and technology.
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    Growth in Business, Industry, and Military

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    The instructional design field grows in business and military sectors, while its influence in K-12 public schools and higher education remains minimal (Burkman, 1987b; Rossett & Garbosky, 1987)

    The differentiation between its growth in corporate/military settings versus education highlights a key trend in how educational technology was applied.
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    Constructivism and Performance Support Systems

  • The introduction of microcomputers leads to the production of computer-based instruction (Dick, 1987)

    The introduction of microcomputers was a game-changer, paving the way for digital learning environments.
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    Electronic Performance Support Systems (EPSS) emerge, which reduce the need for traditional training by providing immediate, on-the-job guidance (Wager & McKay).

    EPSS signaled a shift in how technology could support learning directly within work contexts.
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    The constructivist movement gains traction in instructional design, focusing on authentic learning tasks, collaboration, and learner ownership (Driscoll, 2000).

    Constructivism represented a shift away from traditional behaviorist and instructional models, introducing more active, learner-centered approaches.
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    Rapid growth of Internet-based distance learning (Bassi & Van Buren, 1999). The introduction of Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Blackboard and Moodle further expands the field.

    This was the dawn of online learning, which has since become a dominant mode of education delivery.
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    Expansion of Digital Learning and Tools

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    The rise of e-learning and blended learning formats, facilitated by the proliferation of high-speed internet and tools like interactive whiteboards and online course platforms.

    E-learning became more mainstream in education, fundamentally changing the way education is delivered globally.
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    The Introduction of Learning Management Systems (LMS)

    This article discusses the evolution and impact of LMS on the field of education, highlighting key systems like Blackboard and Moodle. Britt, R. J. (2004). The impact of learning management systems on online education. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 1(2), 1-8.

  • The launch of Google Classroom, marking the beginning of integrated educational platforms aimed at simplifying classroom management and collaboration.

    Google Classroom continues to be a key tool in educational technology, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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    Personalized Learning and AI Integration

  • The first major Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is launched, revolutionizing access to higher education by providing free or low-cost courses from top universities.

    MOOCs changed the accessibility of higher education, influencing how universities offer courses.
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    Introduction of adaptive learning technologies and AI-based tools such as DreamBox and Knewton that personalize education to fit individual student needs.

    Adaptive learning represents a move toward more personalized education, where content can be adjusted in real time based on learner performance.

  • Launch of platforms like Coursera and EdX, making MOOCs widely accessible and promoting lifelong learning.

    MOOCs continue to expand and diversify, now with partnerships between universities and corporations, making learning more flexible and accessible.

  • Gamification of learning gains momentum with platforms like Kahoot! and Quizlet.

    These tools demonstrate how game-based learning and interactivity can enhance student engagement.

  • The COVID-19 pandemic forces the rapid adoption of remote learning worldwide. Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Classroom become critical for education continuity

    The pandemic shifted educational technology from being a complementary tool to an essential infrastructure in education.
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    Remote Learning and AI in EdTech

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    AI-powered tutoring systems (such as Khan Academy’s AI tutor) and AI-integrated classroom tools such as ChatGPT enter classrooms, enabling more responsive, personalized instruction.

    AI has become a crucial part of educational technology, providing innovative ways for students to receive help and for teachers to enhance their teaching methods.

  • The global EdTech market is valued at over $254 billion, driven by advancements in AI, VR/AR, and adaptive learning tools.

    The economic growth of the EdTech market indicates how central technology has become in education worldwide.