This synopsis of educational technology concepts and opinions was written as part of a project to investigate how, if, and when innovative technology, particularly videodiscs, should be incorporated into Alaska's educational system. After reviewing the status and methods of educational technology, it is concluded that: (1) educational technologists do not agree on the critical elements of their discipline; (2) educational technology does not have a common knowledge base that can be used to avoid the pitfalls encountered in earlier projects; (3) educational technologists cannot cite large numbers of successful projects which demonstrate the value of their skills; (4) the optimism that was present during earlier educational technology projects is largely gone, replaced by a great concern for the practical; and (5) the success or failure of educational technology projects may depend on factors that cannot be controlled by project developers. It is pointed out that, in the absence of an encouraging history, the decision to support an expanded educational technology in Alaska's schools would be essentially a gamble, based more on future promises than past successes. A checklist of educational planning considerations is appended. (LLS)