Clarifying Misconceptions between Technology Education and Educational Technology.
Authors: William E. Dugger, Nitin Naik
Published in:  (2001-09-01)

Only you will assume the responsibility educate others about the importance of education in schools today. There is much confusion today when attempting understand the differences between education and educational technology. Both are important components of education; however, the confusion harms both fields of study. This article will provide clarification about the purpose and direction of education and educational as well as the standards used in both educational areas. Technology, Education, and Technological Literacy First let's familiarize ourselves with some fundamental definitions related technology, education, and technological literacy. According the International Education Association's Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of (STL), Technology is the modification of the natural environment satisfy perceived wants and needs (ITEA, 2000, p. 9). This modification of the natural environment (nature) may be characterized as human innovation in action. education (sometimes referred as technological studies) is study of which provides an opportunity for students learn about the processes and knowledge related that are needed solve problems and extend potential (ITEA, 2000, p. 242). As a result of studying in grades K-12, students gain a level of technological literacy, which may be described as one's ability to use, manage, assess, and understand technology (ITEA, 2000, p. 9). education is concerned with the broad spectrum of technology, which encompasses, but is not limited to, such areas as: design, making, problem solving, technological systems, resources and materials, criteria and constraints, processes, controls, optimization and trade-offs, invention, and many other topics dealing with innovation. has both positive and negative effects on society, and conversely, society impacts in many ways. A good example is the cessation of building new nuclear power plants in the U.S. over the past few years, which are now being reconsidered because of power shortages in certain sections of the country. The technologically designed world includes major areas that have characteristics that define it and distinguish it from others. Some examples of major areas that could be included in a taxonomy of the designed world are medical technologies, agricultural and related biotechnologies, energy and power technologies, information and communication technologies, transportation technologies, manufacturing technologies, and construction technologies. These areas are not totally inclusive or mutually exclusive since there is obviously some overlap and interplay between them. However, they represent the dynamic and the broad spectrum of that permeates our world today. We can be assured that in the future will play a more demanding role as it affects us as individuals as well as our society and our environment. We know that our world will be very different 10 or 20 years from now. We have no choice about that. We do, however, have a choice whether we march into that world with our eyes open, deciding for ourselves how we want it be, or whether we let it propel us, ignorant and helpless understand where we're going or why. The study of that provides technological literacy through education will make a difference. Educational Educational is sometimes referred as instructional or informational technology. A very careful analysis of words and terms related educational gives one a better understanding of the differences between it and education. Educational is concerned with in education. It is involved in the use of as a tool enhance the teaching and learning process across all subject areas. …