INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY: A TOOL OF EFFECTIVE LEARNING

Instructional technology refers to the technology used in the classroom for better understanding of subject matter. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of instructional technology on
students’ learning. Five heads and head mistresses of Government Boys and Girls
Secondary Schools of Wah Cantonment area were selected for the study. These schools
were selected on two bases: Masters and Graduate Teachers, and schools having both arts
and science streams. A questionnaire was statistically prepared for heads and head
mistresses to take their opinion about the use of instructional material for effective
learning. Percentage method was applied for data analysis by using Statistical Package
for Social Sciences (SPSS). Major findings indicated that instructional technology is
helpful to increase the efficiency of students’ learning; improve the standard and quality
of education, and teachers’ behavior and classroom instruction; support learning activity;
realize desirable teaching-learning objectives; bring accuracy in learning and take firsthand experience. Instructional technology is integral part of teaching-learning process.
Instructional technology is the backbone of teaching process. Instructional technology
acts as a tool for effective learning.

Instructional Technology: Introduction

Goal of education is attained when teaching acts as an art as well as science. When
the imaginative and artistic abilities of the teachers are shown for creating worthwhile
situation in class, it acts as an art and when teachers use logical, mechanical and
procedural steps to attain goals, teaching becomes science (Joshi, 2005).
According to Khan (2011), just transferring of information to students is not teaching.
Teaching is a planned activity about how to teach and guide the students for maximum
learning. Teaching is a dynamic process in which all effort is put to maximize the
learning experiences. Teaching is a way to improve thinking, understanding and learning
process by utilizing several methods, techniques and instructional aids to improve the
quality of instruction.
Quality of instruction is directly linked with the way the teachers teach in the
classrooms. Teachers utilize several methods, techniques, strategies and instructional aids
to make their teaching effective. They know that without using all these, they would not
2 Instructional Technology: A Tool of Effective Learning
be able to achieve their desired objectives. To achieve these objectives, they utilize
technology in the classroom in a proper way.
Meaning of technology is different in the context of education. Before defining
instructional technology, it is desirable to clear the concept of technology.

DEFINITION OF TECHNOLOGY

Naughton (1986) (as cited in Aggarwal, 1995) argued that technology can be
considered as things as well as a social process. When we apply scientific and systematic
knowledge to the practical work by involving 2 M’s – man and machines, it is termed as
technology of things. When we apply scientific and systematic knowledge to the practical
work by involving hierarchical order, it is called as technology of social process. So it is
not only the “tool” for the development of science but also the “change” in the social
process.
Hiera (1976) (as cited in Aggarwal 1995) said that when scientific knowledge is
applied to the practical purpose, then it is called technology.
All definitions show that the practical application of technology is to attain the
specific purpose. In this way it plays two important roles, i.e. application of scientific
knowledge and attainment of pre-determined objectives as it is a man made device to
produce a reproducible effect.
So there is an ample reason to use technology in the classroom. When technology
applies in the educational setting, it is termed as educational technology. Instructional
Technology, Educational Technology, Audio-visual aids, Educational communication
Technology, Audio-Visual Media, Learning Resources, Instructional or Educational
Media, all have approximately the same meaning due to their same purpose, i.e.
achievement of objects, goals or purpose. Hence instructional technology is the part and
section of educational technology.

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DEFINITION OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Unwin (1969) (as cited in Aggarwal 1995) argued that practical application of new
and innovative skills and technology to impart knowledge and training by using media
(print and electronic), new teaching method and provision of congenial atmosphere in
which students are free to grow is educational technology.
Hadden (as cited in Aggarwal 1995) defined it as educational technology is concerned
with theory and practice applicable to education by applying design and use of messages
to control environment.
Leith (1967) (as cited in Aggarwal 1995) said that use of scientific, practical,
procedural, and systematic knowledge about learning and its conditions to enhance the
teaching-learning process is educational technology.

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