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Education and Information Technologies

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06-05-2017

Viewing the changing world of educational technology from a different perspective: Present realities, past lessons, and future possibilities

Authors: Martie Sanders, Ann George

Published in: Education and Information Technologies | Issue 6/2017

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Abstract

This review paper focuses on likely reasons for the rhetoric-reality gap in the use of educational information and communication technology. It is based on the assumption that the present challenges being experienced with educational ICT might be avoided in the future if we look at the current challenges from a different perspective, by revisiting past research to gain insights from the history of innovations in educational technology. Seven major lessons emerging from the review could inform future directions so that the future does not simply replicate the disappointing results achieved thus far. We argue that the vision for ICT has been unrealistically ambitious, and review reasons to justify this point of view. We suggest that setting more attainable goals, based on the actuality of educational contexts, might be a more pragmatic way to go in a future of constantly changing educational technology.

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Title: Viewing the changing world of educational technology from a different perspective: Present realities, past lessons, and future possibilities
Authors: Martie Sanders
Ann George
Publication date: 06-05-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Education and Information Technologies / Issue 6/2017
Print ISSN: 1360-2357
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7608
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-017-9604-3

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