Philosophy of Educational Technology

My view of Educational Technology

Reflective Blog #1

We have come upon a new age which requires new educational methods. During the 19th century we have seen the development of new technology like never before, giving birth to the Industrial Revolution. Now, we are in the 21st Century and technology has evolved in such a way that we must adapt or fall behind. However, we are using the same hoary instructional techniques, which can be rather dull and indifferent. It's time to develop our minds so we can advance in this age as we did in the previous. All technology started with a thought which was then manifested into reality.
The automated and the informatory are
synonymous with the esoteric and exoteric thinkers.
People are proficient in learning information at
a faster rate with the advent of technology.

Educational technology represents a cultural shift in our society and its increasing presence is indicative of a shift in teaching and learning practices. For better or for worse, educational technology is presenting teachers and students alike with unique opportunities to transcend the boundaries of space and time in order to access knowledge and supplement their understandings. Similarly, educational technology affords increased forums in which to communicate and receive feedback as well as present information in multimodal ways that appeal to various senses. Like a supernova, the Internet caused an explosion of a myriad of technological opportunities and in turn, forced the definitions of teaching, learning, technology and education to be redefined within these new parameters. However, unlike a supernova, these technological opportunities did not fade with time, but rather have increased in prevalence and have proven to be flexible and dynamic, making “traditional” teaching methods appear rigid and inflexible in their offerings.

For me, educational technology is best defined as comprising of the media based tools through which we teach and learn. Educational technology must be approached not as a novelty but rather as a tool possessing great potential; potential that must be needs to be realized in order to be effective. Educational technology is much more than a superficial tool; it can have biases, limitations and extensions that must be considered before using it in the classroom. I believe that educational technology should be woven into the “multi literacies” of the classroom rather than being treated as a foreign object and paraded out from time to time. Educational technology reaches its potential in the classroom by being integrated into everyday teaching and learning. The manner in which educational technology is used is greater than the tools themselves, and I believe that as teachers gain more knowledge about how to use these tools, they will be able to enhance the classroom experience for all learners.

November's most recent article on “Creating a New Culture of Teaching and Learning” outlined some interesting concepts. I really enjoyed some of his suggestions particularly on collegiality, point six of his outline, where he argues that teachers should adapt to be team-based, collegial, sharing their knowledge and wisdom. He also suggests staff train students and instructors on how to use technology in the classroom to prevent the urge to automate the information shared.  This can also be counterproductive. 

I believe it is imperative for all teachers to learn how to implement educational technology beyond basic mechanics, by learning the pedagogical foundations that should guide its use. Educational technology has the potential to increase accessibility for students with disabilities as well as provide a greater variety of formats by which students can present and learn information. This enhanced accessibility and appeal is not only at the core of my philosophy of educational technology, but also a fundamental component of my teaching philosophy. In working with students with learning disabilities, I have seen firsthand how educational technology has been the great equalizer for these students and their ability to learn as integrated members of the classroom.

My seven year old son who struggles with an IEP/Speech can operate an iPhone, iPad, start and navigate through the computer, as well complete/beat all levels of a video game but has a harder time listening in a classroom structure. Why is this? What can I do to change his method of learning?

Note: In Forney, TX all students, grades 5th-12th, are provided a laptop to bring home to complete homework assignments and projects. Textbooks are also available online to buy/rent for the duration of the school year. A contract is provided for the parent to sign with the intent that they will protect the device kit as is and take care of it. Accidental insurance is offered to the students to protect their instrument. We need to figure out new methods of education to stimulate the minds of the youth to come up with even greater advances in math, science, chemistry etc. To do so it’s imperative to update the educational methods being use.

In addition, this blog exercise can and will possibly assist in identifying the development of future technology projects for a cultural environment. My goal is to facilitate a wide variety of computer-based technology for both professional and instructional use in hopes to gain a sense of all that is possible using technology in teaching and concrete ideas about how to infuse technology into teaching.

 

 





My Concept of Educational Technology


 

In conclusion it is my belief that the use of technology in the classroom should be incorporated as long as it is used effectively. The use of technology increases differentiated instruction which allows students of multiple intelligences to better access the curriculum.