Essentials of educational technology: A handbook for teachers and media practitioners (3rd Edition)

Essentials of educational technology: A handbook for teachers and media practitioners.((3rd Edition)) by Inyang-Abia, M. E.

Calabar: MIFAM Services Nig. Ltd.(2004)

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION

This book is an introductory text to Educational Communications and Technology. It is specially designed for all categories of instructors; teachers, their trainers and education students at the Colleges of Education, Advance Teachers Colleges, Polytechnics and Universities will benefit immensely. Students of Communication will also benefit from it. Serious efforts have been made to cover the major aspects of the course for which the book is designed. This has resulted in sampling of some major topical areas for some in—depth treatment. However, areas related to equipment operation are deliberately omitted partly because they are too technical for a text of this nature, but mostly because these areas are better practiced than read about in isolation.

The production of this text is the effort of people too numerous to mention. Topmost among them are my family members whose convenience was sacri?ced. Their encouragement, understanding, love and support which fuelled this work are hereby acknowledged. Also acknowledged are my students at the Faculty of Education, University of Calabar (1984/85 - 1985/86) whose felt needs and encouragement provided the initial stimulus for the work.

All my friends and colleagues within and outside the Faculty who have contributed in various Ways are also acknowledged. Special acknowledgement and gratitude go to Dr (Minister) P. J. Ntukidem for some graphics. Mr. Anietie Paul Inyang of the Dean's Of?ce, Faculty of Education, University of Calabar deserves special thanks for typing the manuscript. All authors whose works are cited in the text are also gratefully acknowledged.

Inyang-Abia, M. E.

University of Calabar,
Calabar, Cross River State,
Nigeria
July, 1988

PREFACE TO THE SECOND/THIRD EDITIONS

Over two decades of rapid scienti?c and impressive technological developments that have impacted tremendously on the educational and instructional sectors of the economy dictated the pressing need for a revised and enlarged edition of this book, first published in 1988. The educational sector has witnessed. within this period, very rapid transformation too, especially in its higher education component. The establishment of Universities of Science and Technology, Universities of Agriculture, the Universal Basic Education (UBE) and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) along with rapid globalization phenomena arising partly from transformational agenda of digital communication framework have all cooperated with cloud computing structures, dotcom technologies and remote sensing systems to dictate new tunes for educators and media practitioners and newer dancing steps for the multi-tasked digital learners.

The modern electronic conjugations and rich media diets of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTS) have now released expanded functionality arising from the limitless capacities of the computers within the information superhighways. Electronic mail (e-mail), e-government, e-newspapers, e-books, e-this and e-that have come to modify the way humans reason, receive, store, disseminate, react to and consume information. Coupled with this, is the astronomical rise in ownership and use of mobile communication gadgets. Its consequence, the rise of m-learning, is very much with us. The launching into space of Nigeria's satellites from September 2003 has also launched Nigeria into the digital age. The increasing frequency, globalization and fatality of terrorism such as expressed through the September 11, 2001 destruction of the World Trade Centre in U.S.A marked the greatest abuse of technology. This has also remarkably changed the world permanently.

Educational Technology has enormous capacity to capitalize on current and future global digitalization phenomena and unmitigated quest for sustainable developments to prepare the present generation of digital natives and digital immigrants alike, for a more vibrant, competitive yet unknown future. The current revised edition of Essentials of Educational Technology has taken all these into consideration, without losing sight of the glorious contributions of the past and the ?nal assault on monopoly of knowledge unleashed by the onslaught ofKnowledge Economy. What of the technological abuse, increasing crime wave and general environmental decay? This revised, enlarged and digital edition sees the potentials of Educational Technology to redress them beyond the present.

Prof. M. E. Inyang-Abia

University of Calabar,
Calabar-Nigeria.