The video above is titled "Pay Attention," and was introduced to me during my time as a Classrooms for the Future (CFF) Coach. "Pay Attention" has helped to form my philosophy on incorporating technology in the classroom.

My Philosophy of Technology Education

    Education has evolved into something far different than it was when my generation was in school.  The birth of the internet and later Web 2.0 technology tools has forever changed how learning takes place in the classroom.  Students in today's age are digital learners.  Research, instruction, assessment, and communication can and should all take place with the use of technology.  The use of technology in the classroom is engaging, constantly evolving, and applicable to real life.  

    I hold true to the belief that all learners possess the potential to succeed.  It is the duty of the educator to identify these individual strengths and create learning situations that will nurture unique talents and creativity.  The discovery of these strengths and the allowance of their execution are not enough, teachers must also connect ideas in the classroom to one another as well as make personal connections with the students.  The use of technology in the classroom meets all of these unique student needs and provides them with ample opportunities to apply learning to real-life situations and prepare them for the real world.

    The accompanying academic choice is differentiated instruction which allows students to explore their individual strengths. Educators should produce lessons that address different learning styles, and come to the realization that there are different types of "smart."  By using differentiated instruction, students will have the opportunity to evaluate knowledge in a new way. This learning opportunity may not have been possible for students if a teacher merely presents information to a single learning style.  Educational technology supplies educators with an infinite number of ways to differentiate instruction.  The incorporation of various forms of technology and multimedia in the classroom successfully reaches all types of learners: visual, kinesthetic, musical, intra-personal, interpersonal, linguistic, and logical.  With the vast number of software, programs, and websites available through the use of technology, all learners can be effectively taught in a way that is meaningful and more likely to be retained.  Inquiry-based learning allows students to locate credible and purposeful information.  This search satisfies the learner's curiosity and thirst for knowledge.  The teacher's critical role in this process is to act as a guide and lead learners to solutions and provide resources that will enable them to do so.

    Learners are all unique, not one is the same, and some may appear difficult to reach.  With persistence, dedication, and a little creativity all learners can be reached and the incorporation of technology will help learners to reach their educational goals.  Educational technology provides high-quality education to learners that will prepare them to succeed in a highly competitive and ever-changing world.