The role of educational technology in distance education

Abstract

The following essay was aimed at deciphering the role that technology plays in distance education. For its development, a reflexive-critical methodology was used, supported by documentary review. The epistemological vision of educational technology is discussed from a historical perspective that spanned the 1970s until the beginning of the 20th century. Likewise, the different generations of distance education are needed to situate the evolutionary presence of educational technology in the distance teaching and learning process. It closes with the kinship between distance education and virtual education to resignify the importance of educational theories when conceptualizing or differentiating both modalities. In conclusion, technology is a resource that has accompanied the genesis of distance education and its use cannot be put before the purposes of education.