A content analysis was performed to determine the trends and issues in educational technology for the period from October 1, 1987 through September 30, 1988. Sources for the analysis included five leading professional journals in educational technology, papers given at annual conventions of three professional associations, dissertations from five universities that have a high level of doctoral productivity, and the educational technology documents entered into the ERIC database. The analysis was complemented by the examination of supplementary documents to determine the political, social, and economic reasons for the findings. The top trends identified in the study are: (1) design, development, and evaluation of instructional products and procedures is a primary concern; (2) professional education for teachers in the use of educational technology is seen as a basic need for present and future professional service; (3) distance education is becoming a significant instructional delivery system that uses technological means to reach its goals; (4) the computer is the dominant medium in the field, and after computers, telecommunications and video are emerging as major delivery systems; (5) the role of the educational technologist is unclear and varies from location to location; (6) case studies serve as models to follow in the implementation of educational technology applications; (7) the field of educational technology is concerned about its status as a profession; and (8) educational technology principles, products, and practices are just beginning to be integrated into courses and curricula. (24 references) (GL)