Victoria Singer
Technology in the Classroom
Dr. David Pownell
Educational Technology Philosophy Statement
Technology is firmly entrenched in our classrooms and our lives. I believe that as teachers we have a responsibility to use and teach technology to our students. We are teaching students so they are equipped to be anything that they want to be, without the use of technology we are inadvertently taking away choices for their future.
Not every student is going to thrive with the use of technology. Some students learn better with lectures and writing on the board. Others greatly enjoy the interaction and level of entertainment that comes with having technology in the classroom. It is my responsibility as the teacher to understand my classroom dynamics and differentiate instruction so that it reaches all of the students. It is also important that I use technology to enhance my lessons, and not expect the children to be taught by the technology.
As teachers I believe that we must also look at the realistic aspect of the cost of technology. If there is a piece of technology that you demand in your classroom, then it had better be something that will benefit the students as well as something that is going to be used on a regular basis. If administration sees that a teacher is not using a piece of technology that he or she insisted on, it is doing everyone in the school a disservice. Administration will then be less likely to agree to optional technology in the future.
Teachers cannot become complacent in technology. Technology is ever evolving and improvements are being made to teaching methods and curriculum. We must seek additional training on the latest technology, especially if it is something that your school is adding to classrooms. If teachers do not feel comfortable using technology then it will not be used.
I do realize that schools are cutting budgets and one area to be effected is technology. The probability that when I begin teaching my classroom has the most up to date technology is slim. What I plan on doing is using the technology that I do have available to the best of my and its ability. If there is a specific piece of technology that I feel would greatly benefit my students I would look for a grant or sponsor. That way the technology would be possible without hindering the budget of the school.
There are also many free technological resources available. Blogs and wikis are easy and inexpensive ways to add a technological aspect to your classroom. Most schools have either computers in the classroom, or a computer lab that could be used to work on the blog or wiki. I would also utilize the local curriculum resource center, and libraries. Many times they have technology that can be checked out and utilized in the classroom.
Technology is entrenched in our lives. As teachers our responsibility is to use the technology that we have in a responsible and appropriate manner. By doing this we are giving our students the technological foundation that they need to be able to pursue any career they desire.
