EDU 103- Development and Resources in

Educational Technology
Practical Approaches of Educational Technology
(Hardware and Software)
Submitted To:
Ms. Sreevidya
Associate Professor
Mount Carmel College

Submitted by:
Cicymol Varghese
I BEd. English
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)

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 teachinglearning 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.

Software Technology

1. It has its origin in

behavioural sciences and
their applied aspects
concerning psychology of
learning.
2. It make use of psychology
2. It is more concerned with
of learning for the
production and
production and
utilization of audio-visual
utilization of software
aid material,
techniques and materials.
sophisticated gadgets and 3. It tries to adopt a
mass media.
process- oriented
technique or approach.
3.It tries to adopt productoriented approach.

4. It

is based on the concept 4.It does not provide direct

of service.
services to its users , but
helps in the production of
software material which re
used by the hardware
5. Radio, television, tape
appliances.
recorder, video, slides and
film projectors, teaching
5.Programmed learning
machines and computers material, teaching-learning
examples of hardware.
strategy on psychology of
learning- examples of
6. It needs the services of
software.
software technology for its
use and functioning.
6.It proves most useful and
productive if it is assisted
7.Hardware has its mass
and made into use by the
appeal and utilization.
hardware appliance.

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).

Reference
1.
2.
3.

4.

Essentials of Educational Technology-S.K

Mangal, Uma Mangal.
Educational Technology- K.L Kumar.
http://www.publishyourarticles.net/knowled
ge-hub/education/what-are-the-differentapproaches-of-educational-technology/5367
http://mjhthepedagogue.blogspot.in/2011/02/a
pproaches-of-educational-technology.html