The coursework I have completed through the Distance Educational Technology Masters Program at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), has immersed me in educational technology research supported by collegial discussions. Through the supervised field-based activities from the UAS program and my ongoing professional activities, I have developed a shared vision for the comprehensive integration of technology. Technology integration has been my priority focus academically and professionally. As I have developed a classroom environment conducive to the realization of my technology integration vision, I have shared my vision with families and educators in my school, district, and state. My interest in technology integration began as I searched for research-based methods of effective differentiation. While researching, I discovered that effective feedback “positively and often powerfully impact[s] the achievement of . . . students (Academic Leadership, 2007). Even at the college level, “feedback has been called the life blood of learning and is thought to be particularly beneficial if provided frequently and under conditions that are stress free and conducive to learning (Hudson & Bristow, 2006). Based on my research, I began using technology to help students develop greater proficiency with basic skills. Learning games, such as those found at the online Math Playground site (Math Playground, 2010) were easy to access on my single classroom computer. Students enjoyed practicing basic skills and receiving instant feedback about their progress. They were motivated by the computer use and I observed an increase in student learning for participating students. As I have continued my research in the areas of technology, ... ... middle of paper ... ...ely 40 new computers, 2 SMART boards, peripheral equipment, and ongoing professional development. Technology has rapidly changed the instructional program in my classroom and in our schools. As an educational technology leader, I try to share my vision by modeling and by being open to questions. Creating a shared vision requires all parties to agree and support change and advancement. The change cycle for educational technology has begun nationwide and locally. In creating a shared vision, I see yet another opportunity for differentiation by encouraging educators to pursue their own educational technology skills beginning at any level they are comfortable with. My hope is that my work as an educational leader will encourage everyone in to move forward with educational technology in ways that are appropriate for best practices in their individual classrooms.
Working as an Instructional Technology Specialist for the past seven years has provided many opportunities to observe teachers and students in a classroom setting. During this time teachers have been in the process of phasing in a new standards-based curriculum with an emphasis on student mastery of these standards. New technology tools have also been incorporated in many classrooms including studen...
Technology is everywhere; in the home, office, restaurant and the classroom. As teachers, we need to begin to embrace this technology and apply it to our students’ lives. But this begins with the teacher’s attitude and according to Johnson,
The late 1980’s ushered in a period of change in the American educational context, with a major focus on integrating technology in P-12 classrooms (Dwyer, Ringstaff, & Sandholtz, 1990). Several authors credit this continued use to the belief that technology integration supports philosophies of instruction that perceive each student as a unique learner, thereby aiding in the transformation of teacher-centered classrooms into student-centered settings (Mowre-Popiel, Pollard, & Pollard, 1994; Bork, 1997).
Technology is growing every day. We use technology for everything we do, sometimes without even thinking about it. In our world, these advancements are used for communicating, entertainment, and education as well as others. Since technology is so ingrained into our lives, how much we use and depend on it is often not thought about. Our education system is on the front end of using new technology in classrooms. More and more class room and teachers are weaving it into their lesson plans and making it more available for students to use in the classroom. Technology is changing the way students are educated in America and across the world. In this paper I will discuss several ways that this can be seen and improved.
These benefits I believe include excitement, flexibility, motivation for more students, which will cover a wide age-range, learning styles, and many different topics. They also will help create a personalized learning environment. As an educator, I have learned how these modifications in technology can help to motivate, engage, and enhance the learning of my students. Thornburg (2009) “…some technologies have the potential to shape and reshape educational practice in the next few years” (p. 9). During this course, we have discovered and discussed various benefits as well as challenges associated with adopting new technology. These resources and interactions have been influential in helping me focus more on the benefits, and they have given me tools to address the challenges. This course has helped me understand that the use of interactive educational activities can promote higher order thinking skill, such as problem solving, critical thinking, and
Teachers no longer are the distributors all the content as technology will do well on the content side. However, they still play important part in new curriculum. Educators must work with technology to assure that the technology does what it can do best, such as provide lots of differentiated and individualized examples and help students understand and interpret those examples. Teachers have to motivate students, respect them, empathizing with them, and encouraging their individual passions.
Integrating technology requires a comprehensive knowledge of curriculum and content standards and the ways that technology can maximize student learning. In my classroom, I strive to have students using technology as a natural part of their learning experience. By teaching technology concurrently with content, I’ve observed my students making parallel gains in technology skills and knowledge.
Courville, K. (2011). Technology and its use in Education: Present Roles and Future Prospects. Presented at the 2011 Recovery School District Technology Summit. Baton Rouge, LA.
Education is big business. Many educational resource companies are constantly developing new ideas and technologies that will revolutionize education. It is the responsibility of the instructional leader to determine which new trend will complement the school’s vision. The instructional leader needs to consider if the trend will reinforce the short and long-term goals of the school. The instructional leader should seek the input of teachers. This is an essential step in the process, since teacher will be the individuals responsible for implementing the new trend.
Over the past two decades technology has become an integral part of daily life and is an important resource for education. The landscape of education has changed dramatically and
The education world has been greatly influenced by rapidly changing technology and the increasing availability of information. Schools have advanced by leaps and bounds when it comes to incorporating technology into the learning environment, however, many more advances need to be made. In all areas of the country, educators are trying to help students keep up with technology, but there are more changes that are essential for preparing the next generation for the future.
The current trends in improving educational achievement address specific concerns that focus on increasing student’s achievement. Teachers, administrators, parents and community stakeholders want the educational environment conducive for learning. The use of technology will assist students in the workplace and increase their high order thinking skills needed to effectively function in our global society. Harvey –Woodall (2009) suggests that educators of the 21st century must become knowledgeable of different facets of technology available for the classroom to enhance instruction. It is important to note that the use of technology in the classroom can foster learning and improve student’s critical and reflective thinking skills. Teachers and administrators should select materials and technology that are developmentally appropriate and designed to engage the interest in learning. An effective leader has a vision of learning and allows students to set individual goals and plans to reach these goals; the use of technology can increase students’ success.
Starr, L. (2011, June 14). Education World. Retrieved 11 2, 2013, from Technology Integration/ Ideas That Work: http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech176.shtml
Whether technological integration has positive or negative impacts on teaching and learning has been paid increasing attention and a numerous research has done to explore the issue. Regarding the issue, the question of if training teachers in the use of technology in classrooms contributes to students’ outcomes is still an endless argument. This essay will explain two reasons why such training brings about positive academic achievements for learners and a number of training guidelines that can be followed.
As facilitators of learning, our classrooms are filled with students who are comprised of generation X’ers and Millenial’s. We must be conscious to structure our lessons and approaches so that we can present content in the most effective manner. Technology, in regards to principles of teaching, challenges the teacher to not only learn what the technology is all about, but to learn to integrate it effectively within the context of their individual classrooms. Teachers in classrooms across the nation struggle with computer technology, the many features, and the never-ending cycle of new devices that are bought into their classrooms daily. Because of the lack of training and severe levels of discomfort, teachers have developed a negative disposition towards the use of technology when it applying it to principle. Recognizing the noted factors, it can be resolved that we do live in an interactive world. Our job is to effectively integrate the technology in such a way that it supports, guides, and enhances learning for all parties involved.