Labels do matter! A critique of AECT’s redefinition of the field

Patrick R. Lowenthal, Brent G. Wilson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Scopus citations

Abstract

AECT has recently (yet again!) redefined our field, reverting back to the use of the term educational technology . We believe this recent change is problematic for a number of reasons, but primarily because of the weak rationale offered for the change. This change affects how external audiences view our profession and is likely to confuse practitioners in corporate and higher education settings in particular. We offer a review of job postings, program titles, and listserv discussions to support our case. The labels we use to define ourselves are critically important - and we hope to see a stronger case made for changes for our foundational definitions in the future.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)38-46
Number of pages9
JournalTechTrends
Volume54
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2010

Keywords

  • branding
  • definitions
  • labels
  • language and identity
  • practitioner perspectives
  • redefinition of field

EGS Disciplines

  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Higher Education and Teaching
  • Instructional Media Design
  • Other Education

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