An analysis of the historical roots of educational technology is followed by discussions of concerns for instructional design and media selection, systematic approaches to instruction, and the future uses of technology for the delivery of instruction and information. The development and growth of the field are explored, future applications of advanced technologies are proposed, and the need for more refined theories of information processing in describing how people learn is pointed out. This paper includes definitions of educational technology, as well as discussions of the use of media in delivering instruction, various uses of computers in education, and the development of new products that will impact on the field. Problems facing educational technologists are reviewed, and additional research to identify individual characteristics that influence learning is recommended. (RAO)