Luckily last year I rewrote my Philosophy of Education to an Educational Technology Philosophy in on of my Master's classes I updated a few things from my experiences these last few months.
I believe that
technology and teaching is a two-way street. In all aspects there are well
planned activities while there will be unpredictable moments. Teachers and
students need to be flexible and collaborate in traditional and non-traditional
learning environments to achieve knowledge. Technology is a wonderful way to
inspire and empower children to become greater than what they can imagine.
Technology can open their minds and allow them to be immersed in their
learning. As a technology leader, it is my goal to improve teacher technology
usage as well as the students’ knowledge and skills.
As a passionate
technology leader and lifelong learner, I always want to reflect upon my
teaching experience and push myself to pursue more of an understanding of educational
technology. I believe that that I can provide a well-designed framework,
guiding teachers to meaningful tasks, and thinking about differentiated learning
styles, as well as key technology skills to guide them to being a
lifelong learner.
I think as a
technology leader it is important to say that technology shouldn’t take over
all teacher instruction; it’s beneficial for student learning to use a mixture
of both. As a teacher you need to make sure the use of technology relates to
the curriculum that is being taught for it to be valuable. The use of
technology in a classroom can be beneficial for all students and even the
teacher. Technology can liven up the classroom to a more interactive; student
involved style, rather than the old school lecture base classroom. Learning is
most likely to take place when students become engaged with material.
Understanding the
variety of learning styles and student experiences is important because every
learner is unique and special and deserves attention and respect. As a technology
leader I have duty to the school and to the learner to provide an environment
that encourages learning and self-confidence in that learning to all
students/teachers. I have to remember Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence and
how it is going to play a role with each students learning style. Not
every student will be the same and that you need to mix up lessons in order to
involve all students different learning styles. Also we could think about ways
in which students can learn from each other and by watching others, or they can
use Bruner concept of discovery learning. This implies that student can
construct his or her own knowledge through experience and searching for new
information.
Technology should
be used in the classroom and can be very valuable if it is used wisely and
safely. The Internet is being used almost daily for many students whether it be
at school or at home the students need to know how to protect themselves
especially when parents or teachers aren’t there to help them. Ever
since internet and technology has been at school this is one of the most
important tools you can inform students about because of all the scary things
that are out there.
I believe that it
is important to provide everyone in the school with a clear framework for
learning different technologies, clear goals, resources, and evaluations. I
want to provide clear goals of workshops and trainings so the teachers/students
can get a understanding of the different technologies. I also want to be able
to provide them with different resources for the trainings so they can gain the
knowledge and skills to succeed without me eventually. I also would like to
have evaluations/feedback filled out in order for me to grow as a technology
leader in the schools.
My goal as a
technology leader is to help teachers, staff, and students to think critically,
learn lifelong skills to aid in learning, and to develop strategies to problem
solve. It is my main objective to make sure everyone involved loves learning by
showing them the desire and motivation that I have to learn and how it can help
them in the future with anything anybody wants to do in life. As a technology
leader I have to be a role model for students and teachers, I need to share
with them when I learn something new in order to continue learning. We have to
prepare students not just for the next step in school but for life.
Last, and most
important, I am passionate about what I do. I truly love doing anything with
educational technology. Conveying this passion I believe it makes students want
to learn more and become excited about learning. Technology continues to grow
at such a rapid pace and its involvement in our world today. Even the growth
from when I was a kid, to what it is today, you have to question what the
future holds for technology.
