Educational Technology: The Influence of Theory

Authors

  • Kim Issroff Department of Education and Professional Development, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place. London, WC1E 6BT
  • Eileen Scanlon Institute for Educational Technology, Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5334/2002-6

Keywords:

educational technology theory, literature review, learning technology research, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, HCI, rich learning environments, learning innovation, educational technologists,

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper we explore the role of theories in current practice in educational technology. We review a range of writings from the past 30 years on the nature of learning technology research. We discuss influences on learning technologies from the related fields of Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). We identify two groups of theories which have been used. The first group are related to principled decisions about the design of learning materials. The second group influence the ways in which we frame our research on learning. Research in learning technologies in the future will need to draw on both groups of theories. In this paper, we draw on our own experiences as educational technologists and the purpose of the paper is to encourage other educational technologists to join with us in reflecting on their own use of theories.

Editors: Martin Oliver (UC London, UK)

Reviewers: Margaret Farren (Dublin City U.), Ann Jones (Open U.)

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Published

2002-07-25