EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY: THE CONSCIENCE OF TECHNOLOGY

Education in the 21st century is inseparable from technology. Yet, the understanding of technology within African, particularly Nigerian, educational settings must go beyond imported definitions and Western conceptualizations. This book, Introduction to Educational Technology: the Conscience of Technology*, redefines the conversation by situating technology as a **cultural, human, and philosophical process**—not merely as tools or machines but as a living extension of human creativity.

At **Peaceland University, Enugu**, and **St. Luke’s Business School**, in affiliation with **Ignatius Ajuru University of Education**, educational technology is interpreted as a **continuum of indigenous ingenuity and global innovation**. From the moonlight storytelling of old to the digital learning platforms of today, the essence of teaching has remained the same: transferring wisdom, skills, and values from one mind to another through media—verbal, symbolic, or electronic.

This text evolved out of years of teaching, counselling, and curriculum research, especially within the **Attitude Behavioural Theory (ABT)** framework, which asserts that inner conviction shapes outward performance. The same principle applies to technology: **when belief affirms ability, innovation follows naturally**. The African educator must therefore reawaken faith in indigenous knowledge, integrate it with scientific inquiry, and use both to empower learners in a rapidly digitalizing world.

The book provides not only a theoretical exploration but also **a practical orientation**—showing educators how to design, implement, and evaluate technology-enhanced learning systems. It guides postgraduate students, educational administrators, and policy makers in rethinking how technology can serve *African learning identities*, not erase them.

Each module combines **philosophical reflection, indigenous case studies, and international perspectives**, moving progressively from the foundational (concepts and theories) to the applied (ICT, e-learning, inclusion, and policy). At the end of each module, readers will find reflection points and self-assessment prompts designed to provoke deeper thinking and encourage application.

It is my conviction that the future of education in Nigeria—and indeed in Africa—depends on the creative synergy between **tradition and innovation**. This textbook, therefore, invites readers to view educational technology not as an imported accessory but as a **continuum of African genius** guided by the principles of respect, adaptation, and self-determination.

**— Dr. Ezekiel M.P.C. Onah**

Author, *Attitude Behavioural Theory (ABT): Its Implementation Guidelines for Effective School Counselling Rules and Qualities*

Enugu, Nigeria.