Introduction to Educational Technology

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The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the scientific field of Educational Technology through the presentation and discussion of various modern digital media and tools, as well as methods of their utilization in educational practice.

Specifically, upon successful completion of the course, students will have acquired basic and sufficient knowledge regarding:

• the transformative role of the Internet in education
• online learning opportunities (MOOCs, online courses, and open educational resources)
• web-based educational activities and their contribution to the promotion of active and interactive learning
• digital libraries and educational material repositories
• issues of respecting/protecting intellectual property rights of content creators distributed via the Web
• the role of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in supporting the development of educational content
• distance and blended learning
• Learning Management Systems
• WebQuests as inquiry-based learning experiences
• video and interactive video as teaching and learning tools
• the modern era of the Information Society and its implications for education and learning
• the profile and needs of today’s learners and the role of the educator
• the goals of education and trends for 2030 at the European level
• new technologies (cloud computing, Internet of Things, crowdsourcing, virtual and augmented reality, holographic projection, haptic interfaces, social computing) in education
• modern and emerging trends and technologies (virtual world environments, gamification and digital game environments, personalized learning, AI applications) for enhancing learning experiences and transforming education

In addition, upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• design the structure, layout, functions, and content of an educational website
• develop websites using modern online website-building tools
• use the capabilities of tools to integrate interactive elements into websites
• create videos in various ways (screen recording, filming, multimedia composition) for educational use with appropriate tools
• edit videos using appropriate tools
• create interactive videos and video lessons using corresponding tools

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General Competences

The course aims to:

• Search, analyze, and synthesize data and information using the necessary technologies
• Adapt to new situations
• Work autonomously
• Work in teams
• Work in an interdisciplinary environment

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COURSE CONTENT

The course includes four lecture units and two laboratory units:

LECTURES

1. Exploring the Digital Educational Ecosystem: The Internet, Resources, and Educational Technology.
   This unit covers topics related to the role of the Internet in education, digital resources, and the integration of technology in teaching and learning. Specifically, the following are discussed: the importance of the Internet for education and its transformative role; online learning opportunities (MOOCs, online courses, and open educational resources); web-based educational activities and their contribution to the promotion of active and interactive learning; educational resources on the Web; digital libraries and educational repositories; distance and blended learning; Learning Management Systems; WebQuests as inquiry-based learning experiences.
2. Education in the Information Society
   This unit introduces the current era, which brings new challenges as well as opportunities for the educational system. Topics discussed include the Information Society and the impact of new information and communication technologies on the modern age. The implications of the Information Society for education and learning are analyzed, and up-to-date statistics from Europe and Greece are presented. The profile of today’s learners is mapped to highlight their needs. At the same time, the role of the educator in this new era is clarified. The goals of education and trends for 2030 at the European level are also presented.

3. New Information and Communication Technologies in Education
   This unit presents modern technologies that are or may be used in education. The aim is to understand these contemporary technologies and the possibilities they offer for education. Specifically, the following are presented and discussed: cloud computing services, Internet of Things, crowdsourcing, virtual and augmented reality, holographic projection, haptic interfaces, and social computing.

4. Enhancing Learning Experiences through Modern and Emerging Trends in Educational Technology
   This unit presents modern and emerging trends and technologies that can enhance learning experiences and transform education. Specifically, virtual world environments, gamification and digital game-based environments, personalized learning, and AI applications are discussed.

 

LABORATORY UNITS

1. Development of Interactive Educational Websites
   This lab focuses on online website development tools, such as Google Sites, Wix, etc. Their capabilities and functions are discussed, demonstrated, and tested, while their user-friendly interfaces are highlighted. The value of interactive elements in educational websites is emphasized. Issues of accessibility and respect for intellectual property rights are also discussed. Finally, reference is made to the role of generative AI tools in supporting the development of educational websites and their content.

2. Development of Interactive Video-Based Lessons
   This lab focuses on video as a digital medium/tool for teaching and learning. Topics discussed include its potential, limitations, and ways of educational use. Tools for video creation and editing are presented. The concept of interactive video is analyzed, highlighting its role and usefulness as an educational tool. Digital environments for creating interactive video lessons are presented and tested. Finally, reference is made to the role of generative AI tools in supporting the development of both interactive and non-interactive educational videos.