ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the theoretical foundations for
research in educational communications and technology.
Four relevant areas are explored: (1) the psychology
of learning, (2) communications theory, (3)
human–computer interaction, and (4) instructional
design and development. Past work in these four areas
can be viewed as providing a theoretical foundation for
further research and development in educational communications
and technology.
KEYWORDS
Educational communications:
Forms, means, and methods
of expressing and sharing ideas, information,
and knowledge to support learning and instruction.
Educational technology:
The disciplined application of
scientific principles and theoretical knowledge to
support and enhance human learning and performance.
Theoretical foundation:
A related set of rules and principles
that can be brought to bear as a basis for
making predictions and providing explanations for
a variety of phenomena.