How Scholars Define the Field of Computer Education and Instructional Technology?

Abstract

The term Instructional Technology has been used since 1960s and defined differently throughout the time.  Along with the increase in the use of information and communication technology in schools; the need for technologically qualified teachers has been increased. While many of instructional technology programs are at graduate level around the world; Turkey has an undergraduate level instructional technology program, called Computer Education and Instructional Technology (CEIT) in addition to graduate level. The department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology was founded in 1998 during the re-construction of Faculties of Education in Turkey. The purpose of this study is to investigate the similarities and differences among how graduate students and faculty members define CEIT department, as well as their opinions on the current situation of the program, and their expectations. A case study has been conducted with 5 faculty members and 5 graduate students from three major universities in Turkey including Anadolu University,  Gazi University , and Middle East Technical University. Semi-structured interviews were used as the data collection tool.  The content analysis was used to analyze the data and results of the study showed that faculty members and graduate students have similar opinions about the scope of the department, expected qualifications and work areas, and challenges affecting academic life.