Educational Technology Philosophy
Educators should be facilitators of learning, not curriculum distributors. Students need to be taught to think for themselves, and to be able to use high level thinking skill to solve problems in the real world. Teacher must put aside any fear of change and use new technology that is available to pursue this goal. We as teachers must be proactive in the revolutionary change that is taking place in schools. New technology is increasing all around us, and we must sift through it to find what best meets the needs of our students.
Technology is here to stay, and teachers need to find a way to technology as a relative advantage in the classroom. They must also use different strategies to reach all students. I agree with the constructivism view the most. First and foremost, the classroom must be student centered. Students need to be involved in their own learning. The teacher is a facilitator of knowledge, and the student must learn how to apply that knowledge. Students also need to see connections with what they are learning and the real world. Tying in real world applications prepares students for the real world. As a Business teacher, I have found numerous ways to apply my assignments to the real world. My students have learned about payroll, job applications, and the interview process just to name a few. I believe they learn more when they see relevance in what they are doing.
I also agree with Reconstructivism when it comes to students being aware of social issues. Students need to know that there is more to life than just the celebrities and gossip that they see and hear. There are issues that are bigger than them that need to be addressed. Teachers have the power to expose students to some of these issues. According to Idealism, character development is important, and I agree. In order for students to be successful they must treat others fairly and show respect. They must know that there are people who are different than them, but must be treated with respect in spite of their differences.
In today’s technological world, teacher must start preparing students at an early age. Technology is being created faster than we can learn. That is why teachers must apply real world applications to lessons. Students need to be taught to think for themselves, so they can make educated decisions once they have left school and entered the real world. After all, isn’t this what we have been preparing them for?
Reflection
I didn't realize how important writing my thoughts down was until I started writing my philosophy. This lessons has helped my see where I stand when it comes to technology. Technology is not something that should be used just for the sake of using it. It needs to have a relative advantage to it.
Downes' Article
In some ways, I think we have met the potential. Some teachers are using blogs instead of a traditional class web page.I see using blogging in my classroom for a discussion forum. I think this would be less threatening to some students versus discussing their opinions face to face with other students. I think the students would be more honest in their blogs.I also think that students are censored more now than ever because of online predators and bullying. Schools are afraid of blogging because they are afraid of the liability issues this day and age.
November's Article
"IF ITS ON THE INTERNET IS IS TRUE" stood out the most for me. I know that there is untrue information on the internet, but I never looked at it from a student's eyes. When I get back to school on Monday, I am going to introduce my students to Alta Vista and the link command. This is something that every student should be taught.
What I hope to learn
I hope to learn new techniques and information that will make me a better teacher. I want to learn of new ways to use technology in my classroom.
