ASSIGNMENT :
Please define and discuss the concept of (i) Technology, (ii) Education, (iii) Instructional Media and (iv) Instructional Technology. State the source/sources of your references:
i) Technology

- the usage and knowledge of tools, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or create an artistic perspective
( source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology )
ii) Education

- In the largest sense is any act or experience that has a formative effect on the mind, character or physical ability of an individual. In its technical sense, education is the process by which society deliberately transmits its accumulated knowledge, skills and values from one generation to another.
( source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education )
The act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.
( source : http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1215195#ixzz1Bw6VZszU )
- The term ‘education’ in the broad sense is not only a pedagogical one punctuating down to the basic meaning of the term, it means to plunge a mans body, mind and soul of ignorance . It enhances an individual’s personality and provides him confidence to reach out to the world.
iii) Instructional media

- Instructional media encompasses all the materials and physical means an instructor might use to implement instruction and facilitate students’ achievement of instructional objectives. This may include traditional materials such as chalkboards, handouts, charts, slides, overheads, real objects, and videotape or film, as well newer materials and methods such as computers, DVDs, CD-ROMs, the Internet, and interactive video conferencing.
Why Use Instructional Media?
A good aid is like a window, it should not call attention to itself, it should just let in the light.
it can facilitate learning or increase understanding of your material. Of course, communicating to facilitate learning can be a challenging process, often requiring creative efforts to achieve a variety of implicit instructional goals. Among the implicit goals that media can help achieve are the following:
- attracting attention
- developing interest
- adjusting the learning climate
- promoting acceptance (of an idea)
( source : http://www.umdnj.edu/idsweb/idst5330/instructional_media.htm )
iv) instructional technology

A) defination 1 :
- is the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning
( according to the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) Definitions and Terminology Committee )
Instructional technology is a growing field of study which uses technology as a means to solve educational challenges, both in the classroom and in distance learning environments. While instructional technology promises solutions to many educational problems, resistance from faculty and administrators to the use of technology in the classroom is not unusual. This reaction can arise from the belief–or fear–that the ultimate aim of instructional technology is to reduce or even remove the human element of instruction. However, most instructional technologists would counter that education will always require human intervention from instructors or facilitators.
( source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instructional_technology )
B) definition 2 :
- Instructional technology is just what it sounds like: using computers, CD-ROMs, interactive media, modems, satellites, teleconferencing, and other technological means to support learning.
Discussion
Some educators believe the use of interactive, computer-based technology is crucial to improving classroom learning. These educators contend that advanced technology will fundamentally change the learning process and structure. Other educators believe technology is merely a tool that has minimal impact on the quality of learning.
How Instructional Technology Affects Learning
Curriculum–Advanced technology has the potential to significantly expand the breadth and depth of the curriculum. With the Internet, for example, students can access information far beyond the scope of their traditional textbooks. Curricula can be individualized and adapted to students’ specific learning styles. Instructional technology has the power to enhance overall knowledge accumulation, instead of just focusing on content mastery.
Instruction–Advanced technology could significantly affect the role of teachers, as well as the structure of schools and classrooms. The use of instructional technology changes the teacher’s role from expert to facilitator or coach. Plus, instruction is no longer limited to the school building or classroom. For example, students can take courses from a global satellite feed or on the Internet. Learning can take place at home, at work, or anywhere else that has the capacity for a television, phone, or computer.
Assessment–Instructional technology will focus more and more on building feedback loops directly into the learning process. Students can obtain frequent and accurate feedback, make corrections to their work, and structure learning experiences around their individual needs. Assessment can be monitored by offsite instructors, plus it can be ongoing and cumulative.
( source : http://www.funderstanding.com/content/instructional-technology )