Changing learning and teaching relationships in the educational technology landscape

Abstract

We adopt a technology of education approach to examine changing teaching and learning relationships in the educational technology landscape. A technology of education entails thinking about all dimensions of the design of teaching and learning environments. The teaching and learning process constitutes a complex interrelated system of people and resources interacting with people as students to achieve their desired learning outcomes. A technology of education approach to the effective use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in teaching and learning is based on a systems approach and focuses research on one of the key dimensions of educational technology. This key dimension consists of the theoretical considerations or ideas, assumptions and findings which inform the social conventions and practices of teaching and learning. The totality of social processes within an institution and society is included in the study of the use of ICTs in education within a systems approach. The systems approach allows for a critical study of the social and intangible aspects of the use of ICTs in teaching and learning. Specifically, this paper highlights the types of social change that result from the changes brought about by the use of ICTs in education in the identities and subjectivities of teacher and learner. In order to incorporate ICTs successfully in teaching and learning, this social dimension needs to be considered in the design of rich learning experiences.