Educational Technology is often referred to as a "tool in education" (Instructional Tech Talk, 2016). Agreeing with that definition, various sources explain educational technology as the carefully considered use of media and technology in an educational context, which improves learning outcomes or aids in the teaching process (Xu, 2017; Instructional Tech Talk, 2016; Aziz, 2010). As Aziz mentions in the article "The 5 Keys to Educational Technology", the cyclical reflection process involved in implementing educational technology is required to ensure that the technological tools being used are actually improving something rather than just replacing what could have been done without the technology in the first place (2010). In other words, a tool used without improvement was not a worthy tool to begin with. Therefore, technology used to "facilitate the application of senses, memory, and cognition" with improved outcomes,  or which "enhances teaching practices" and in return improves learning outcomes, can be considered educational technology (Aziz, 2010).

 

Aziz, H. (2010, September 16). The 5 Keys to Educational Technology. Retrieved April 26, 2021, from https://thejournal.com/articles/2010/09/16/the-5-keys-to-educational-technology.aspx

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Instructional Tech Talk. (2016, February 12). What is EdTech? Retrieved April 26, 2021, from https://instructionaltechtalk.com/what-is-edtech/

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Xu, L. (2017, November 17). Edtech 101: What is Edtech and How Is It Impacting Education? Retrieved April 26, 2021, from https://blog.100mentors.com/edtech-101-what-is-edtech-and-how-is-it-impacting-education/