Technological Innovation and Education Change. Some Lessons from the History of Educational Technology

The chapter examines the historical evolution of educational technologies, exploring their impacts on teachers and teaching practices. It highlights the tendency to focus on future advancements while often neglecting the lessons from past. Through a historical overview, it identifies recurring cycles of high expectations and subsequent disappointments associated with new technologies. In parallele, it underscores the importance of understanding the cultural, social, and pedagogical contexts in which these technologies are embedded. By reflecting on past experiences, the chapter provides insights that can inform current and future technological innovations in education, advocating for a more nuanced and historically informed approach to integrating technology in educational settings.