EDU 103- Development and Resources in

Educational Technology

Practical – Approaches of Educational Technology

(Hardware and Software)

Submitted To: Submitted by:

Ms. Sreevidya Cicymol Varghese

Associate Professor I BEd. English

Mount Carmel College Submitted on :26/10/2015

Educational Technology

o Educational Technology is the systematic application of scientific knowledge about teaching-learning and conditions of learning to improve the efficiency of teaching and training ( Leith, 1967)

o It can be conceived as a science of techniques and methods by which educational goals could be realized. (Shiv K. Mitra)

Educational Technology is a multifaceted concept.

This has led to view it in terms of some specific types of approaches.

Lumbsdaine (1954) has listed three distinct approaches of educational technology.

Educational Technology I or Hardware Approach

Hardware Approach has physical science and applied engineering as its basis.

They have mechanized the whole teaching-learning process.

It is based on the concept of service, i.e. using technology in education(Silverman 1968).

Audio –visual aids such as charts, models, slides, filmstrips, audio

cassettes and sophisticated equipment and gadgets such as radio,

television, films, projectors, record player ,video teaching machines

and computers are considered as hardwares

There is even reduction in the cost of education.

In this way hardware approach to education has resulted in improving.

1.Efficiency of educational means

2.Reducing the cost of education Silverman (1968), called this type of

educational technology ‘Relative Technology’

Hardware approach has a few draw-backs which are given below:

(a) Hardware material, equipment were devised by science for use in science but now they have been borrowed from there and are being used in education.

(b) While operating in the field of education, it works in isolation and not as an integral part of that system where it existed earlier.

Educational Technology II or Software Approach

Soft ware approach owes its origin to the behavioural science and to the psychology of learning.

It uses the principles of psychology for the purpose of behaviour modification.

It serves the causes of education by laying down definite instructional procedure, teaching behaviour and behaviour modification devices.

Thus it is referred to as instructional technology, teaching technology or behaviour technology.

Hardware approach tries to adopt a process – oriented technique for the production of suitable teaching-learning material, teaching –learning strategies and evaluation techniques.

Silverman (1968) termed this educational technology as ‘constructive educational technology.’

In this approach educational technology basically stands for the technique of developing and utilizing software. Hence the name software approach.

Thus materials like programmed material and teaching-learning strategies based on psychology are known as software.

Difference Between Hardware and Software Approach

Hardware Technology

1. It has its origin in physical science and applied engineering.

2. It is more concerned with production and utilization of audio-visual aid material, sophisticated gadgets and mass media.

3.It tries to adopt product-oriented approach.

Software Technology

1. It has its origin in behavioural sciences and their applied aspects concerning psychology of learning.

2. It make use of psychology of learning for the production and utilization of software techniques and materials.

3. It tries to adopt a process- oriented technique or approach.

4. It is based on the concept of service.

5. Radio, television, tape recorder, video, slides and film projectors, teaching machines and computers –examples of hardware.

6. It needs the services of software technology for its use and functioning.

7.Hardware has its mass appeal and utilization.

4.It does not provide direct services to its users , but helps in the production of software material which re used by the hardware appliances.

5.Programmed learning material, teaching-learning strategy on psychology of learning- examples of software.

6.It proves most useful and productive if it is assisted and made into use by the hardware appliance.

7.Software has no such wide application and appeal to the masses compared to hardware.

Both software and hardware approaches are so interlinked that they cannot be separated from each other.

One without the other is incomplete.

It is software approach which makes the hardware approach

function well.

“By directing attention to the achievement of educational aims of standards through knowledge and control relation between inputs in man-machine systems and organisations, educational technology can be expected to make more contributions to behavioural science than science has made to educational technology.”( Mitchell, 1973).

Reference1. Essentials of Educational Technology-S.K

Mangal, Uma Mangal.

2. Educational Technology- K.L Kumar.

3. http://www.publishyourarticles.net/knowledge-hub/education/what-are-the-different-approaches-of-educational-technology/5367

4. http://mjhthepedagogue.blogspot.in/2011/02/approaches-of-educational-technology.html