Technology
is not done for technology’s sake or to automate an existing process.
Technology is meant to create experiences in learning that could not exist
previously. It is meant to engage, teach, and connect learners in ways never
possible before.
Shortened version of education technology philosophy including updates and excluding history:
A
great teacher develops relationships and motivates students to have intrinsic
motivation to work hard, do well and learn. They get the students to take
responsibility for their learning. Teachers should serve more as a guide to
learning. I want the students to gain the knowledge that they can learn
anything, even if they do not know anything about it going in or it is
difficult to learn initially. They have access to resources to teach
themselves. They need to learn their future is in their hands. I want students
to feel empowered and that they are valued and important.
I
try to make lessons relevant. I try to use time available for students to
create, not just listen. I want students to make the learning relate to what
they are doing or need. I also teach concepts. Software changes daily almost,
they cannot learn one and be done. They have to understand key concepts and
functions and have the ability to adapt. I try to expose students to as many
software programs and hardware devices as possible. This helps build confidence
in learning new things in a safe place. I teach others how to find and use
resources to take ownership of their own learning. A new initiative I want to
start is a program where students are tech support for teachers – both on
repairs and instruction using technology. This will empower students while at
the same time helping our teaching and IT staff.
My
goal will be to provide teachers all of the technological tools they need to be
successful in their classes. These tools could be in the form of websites,
software programs, acquisition of hardware equipment, staff development and
training, and the effective integration of these technologies into their
curriculum. As Mr. November says, “This is not about technology. It’s about
understanding the impact of technology on how students learn.” The technology
schools acquire should be driven by needs in instruction. Heidi-Hayes Jacobs,
an educational consultant, says, “Teachers need to integrate technology
seamlessly into the curriculum instead of viewing it as an add-on, an
afterthought, or an event.”
I
have the knowledge to educate students and teachers in technology in a variety
of ways and to help staff integrate technology into all subjects, grade levels
and curriculums. Technology is the future of education. As John Dewey said, “If
we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.”
“There can be infinite uses of the computer
and of new age technology, but if the teachers themselves are not able to bring
it into the classroom and make it work, then it fails,” Nancy Kassebaum, U.S.
Senator said. We have several great technologies currently, but many have not
been used to their full potential.
I constantly am striving to learn more and truly am
a lifelong learner. I am self-taught in many software programs. Anything I do
not currently know I will find a way to learn either on my own or through
professional development. I will also continue to grow our school's reputation
as a cutting-edge technology school by presenting at conferences locally,
state-wide and across the nation. I will participate in professional development
opportunities to keep current with emerging technologies to develop and maintain
expertise.
In
conclusions, I believe that it is the role of technology in education is to
provide as many opportunities for success to all students in whatever ways are
needed. I believe technology is going to only continue to grow as a way to
engage students and encourage them to take over responsibility for their
learning.
