How to use educational technology to make education better - Not just different or entertaining!

Abstract

Educational Technologies (EdTech) have the potential to improve learning and teaching both in- and outside of the classroom. EdTech tools can potentially make the education process more meaningful, more engaging, more interesting, more personalized and more flexible. There may be many reasons (changes in school policy, pressures from authorities, observing models of efficient use, etc.) and facilitating factors (support from the school, collaborations among faculty, etc.) driving implementation of EdTech, but there are also barriers (lack of technological tools, etc.) and drawbacks (technological competence, established teaching practices, etc.). In practice, educators are also faced with challenges in designing or integrating EdTech in a pedagogically meaningful way. Most of the time, educators try to effectively implement EdTech in their curriculum. However, we have seen numerous examples of EdTech implementations without a clear aim, vision, assessment and/or positive learning outcomes. This article will start with a definition  of EdTech, delineating what it is not and what it is, and continue with a discussion of ‘why’ should EdTech be integrated, and ‘how’ to choose and to implement components of EdTech. Finally, we provide some take home messages and tips on successful integration of EdTech.