The document discusses the history and role of educational technology. It describes how technology has been used in education from the early 1900s with silent films up to modern times. Key developments included the introduction of computers in the 1950s/60s and the rise of the internet in the 1990s/2000s which allowed for online learning tools. The document outlines the various roles technology can play in education from delivering instruction to serving as a learning tool, productivity tool, and social/communication medium. It emphasizes that effective technology use can increase student learning, understanding, motivation and development of skills like critical thinking.