Author Description

This synthesis paper provides a state-of-the-art analysis of the field of educational technology based on the results of a content analysis of its literature, including selected journals, conference proceedings, dissertations, and ERIC input. The study focuses on the personnel, tools, and applications of educational technology as it examines what the people in the field are doing and saying and the concerns they express. The 11 trends that are identified and discussed are related to: (1) the design, development, and evaluation of instructional materials and procedures; (2) professional education of teachers; (3) distance education; (4) the computer as the dominant medium in the field; (5) the emergence of telecommunications and video, including interactive video, as major media delivery systems; (6) changes in the role of the educational technologist; (7) the implementation of educational technology; (8) educational technology as a field; (9) the integration of educational technology principles, products, and practices into courses and curricula; (10) the relationship of educational technology to society and culture; and (11) research activities. Issues arising from these trends are then outlined, and a retrospective look at trends over the past 20 years concludes the study. A select bibliography is provided, and four appendixes contain a description by Alan Januszewski of the content analysis methodology used in the study, two forms used in the collection and analysis of data, and a table presenting the data on trends by topic and source. (BBM)