A New Ecology for Education: Refocusing Educational Technology Beyond Content

Abstract

In this new century, much of education in general and educational technology in particular have centered on the delivery of information. Instructional design has, since the last century, focused on increasing efficiency and measuring retention. At this point, however, we need to develop a “new ecology” of learning, one which includes other forms of learning into education and one which develops students who are curious, creative, and capable. In our new ecology of education, we should be focusing on the complex and full diversity of learning, not just on a few simple aspects. We must go beyond content to include the development of skills and cognitive traits such as creativity, curiosity, and persistence.