Vision
Technology should be used consistently as a tool to expand the learning experiences of all students while ensuring academic success in an ever-changing global and digital society. Technology use should be student-centered and focus on engaging students in thought provoking, challenging, and real world learning scenarios where teachers act as facilitators and students learn strategies to take control of their own learning. Using technology in these ways will help students attain the skills needed to be successful after graduation whether they choose higher education or the work force. “Technology allows for an unprecedented level of personalized learning, with valuable opportunities to monitor progress and engagement, follow student thinking, and digitally assess competencies” (ISTE Essential Conditions). Creighton (2003) suggests, “Technologies are not often used in constructivist ways.” But that, “…technologies have the potential for such support, and with appropriate instructional leadership, technology can be an effective catalyst for educational reform” (p. 46). In order to achieve the success that is possible by incorporating technology, teachers must rethink the way they have done things for the past several years. Students should be at the center of the learning process and take control of their learning by exploring and using tools that are utilized in the real world. Ideally, students should be the ones using technology, and not just the teachers.
Teachers have the responsibility of providing a meaningful education through technology integration for students. They are responsible for teaching students the proper ways to utilize digital tools as well as encouraging students to become digital citizens. Teachers should, “Advocate, model and teach safe, legal, and ethical uses of digital information and technologies…” as well as, “Promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information” (ISTE Standards for Teachers). Teachers must be open to trying methods that follow a more constructivist approach, allowing students to explore, problem solve, and work together while utilizing more hands-on techniques.
I envision technology being utilized as a tool on a daily basis. Students will utilize technology to explore, collaborate, research, and create meaningful products that will prepare them for life beyond their school years. I want students to learn about the world through experiencing and exploring topics that they may not get to see without the use of technology. Teachers should also utilize technology to improve student engagement through a variety of Web 2.0 tools such as Flipgrid, Animoto, and Padlet.
References
Creighton, T. (2003). The Principal as Technology Leader. London, England: Corwin Press, Inc.
ISTE Essential Conditions. ISTE. Retrieved from www.iste.org/standards/essential-conditions
ITSE Standards for Educators (2017). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/for-educators
Teachers have the responsibility of providing a meaningful education through technology integration for students. They are responsible for teaching students the proper ways to utilize digital tools as well as encouraging students to become digital citizens. Teachers should, “Advocate, model and teach safe, legal, and ethical uses of digital information and technologies…” as well as, “Promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information” (ISTE Standards for Teachers). Teachers must be open to trying methods that follow a more constructivist approach, allowing students to explore, problem solve, and work together while utilizing more hands-on techniques.
I envision technology being utilized as a tool on a daily basis. Students will utilize technology to explore, collaborate, research, and create meaningful products that will prepare them for life beyond their school years. I want students to learn about the world through experiencing and exploring topics that they may not get to see without the use of technology. Teachers should also utilize technology to improve student engagement through a variety of Web 2.0 tools such as Flipgrid, Animoto, and Padlet.
References
Creighton, T. (2003). The Principal as Technology Leader. London, England: Corwin Press, Inc.
ISTE Essential Conditions. ISTE. Retrieved from www.iste.org/standards/essential-conditions
ITSE Standards for Educators (2017). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/for-educators