On Characteristics of Educational Technology in China

Li, Kang, International Journal of Instructional Media

CHINESE EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY IS THE TECHNOLOGY OF THE MODERN EDUCATIONAL MEDIA

1. The Definition of Education Technology in China

During the 1920s to the 1930s, slide, film, and the phonograph were used in the educational process. It marked the beginning of educational technology (ET) in China. The Chinese experts gave it a special name "Electrifying Education", which means electrical equipment used in the educational process. (Xiao Shuzi, 1988 ) [1] It is also interpreted as "Audio Visual Education". In order to make better academic exchange to foreign experts, people also called it "Educational Technology". But for years there was no precise definition of ET in China until the end of 1970s, when ET(Audio Visual Education) was developed. One of them exerts the most influence. It states that ET is "To apply modern educational media and properly combine them with traditional media, to transmit educational information, as result the best effect of teaching and learning is achieved". (Nan Guonong, 1984) [2] The essential characteristics of ET in China, by analyzing the definition, is to apply electron technique media, transmit educational information and to achieve the superior process of human learning.

Since the mid-eighties, because of the influences of the standpoints of ET in America, Chinese experts have assimilated the views about instructional design, development and evaluation, and have accepted the term of "Educational Technology". Some new definitions have been given in China. One of the statements declares that ET is "the design and development of modern educational media, and the technology and educational process that apply modern educational media and technology to conduct the best way of communicating educational information and achieve the best effects of human learning" (Li Kang, 1995) [3]. The heart of the definition is modern educational media and technology. Although it adds the content of instructional design and development, it contains more factors of techniques …

Questia, a part of Gale, Cengage Learning. www.questia.com
Publication information: Article title: On Characteristics of Educational Technology in China. Contributors: Li, Kang - Author. Journal title: International Journal of Instructional Media. Volume: 25. Issue: 3 Publication date: Summer 1998. Page number: 295. © 1999 Westwood Press, Inc. COPYRIGHT 1998 Gale Group.

This material is protected by copyright and, with the exception of fair use, may not be further copied, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means.