What began with an emphasis on audiovisual communications media gradually became focused on the systematic development of teaching and learning procedures which were based in behavioral psychology. Currently, major contributing fields are cognitive psychology, social psychology, psychometrics, perception psychology, and management. The basic history of the field was written by Saettler. The evolution of American educational technology. Handbook of research for educational communications and technology.
Most educational technologists carry out one or a few of the functions performed in the field.
For example, some design instruction, some produce instructional materials, and others manage instructional computing services or learning resources collections. Essential and advanced professional standards. Reproduction Service No. Until recently, most educational technologists were employed in schools and colleges as directors of resource centers and developers of curriculum materials. Many are still employed in such positions, but increasing numbers are being employed by training agencies in business, industry, government, the military, and the health professions.