Vision Statement
Technology has changed the way we do almost everything today. It has changed the way we communicate with others, read books, do research, and teach our children. Technology has given the opportunity for people to learn a foreign language at their convenience, do business with other countries, and has changed the way we find ourselves engaged in activities.
Technology is everywhere and has become more apparent in our classrooms today. With the increase of iPads, smart boards, video cameras, laptops, and a wide array of software and websites, teachers need to be trained in how to use these not as fancy typewriters, but as innovative ways to teach. We need to show our children a different way of learning but also living. The 2010 National Education Technology Plan calls for "engaging and empowering personalized learning experiences for learners of all ages. The model stipulates that we focus what and how we teach to match what people need to know and how they learn."
Learning basic reading, writing, math, and science skills are no longer the only skills children need to learn in order to be successful. Now more than ever, children not only need to be computer literate, but computer savvy. They need to be innovative and creative, critical thinkers and problem solvers, and able to collaborate. Children need to move towards becoming entrepreneurs in this changing world. Learning opportunities in the classroom need to reflect these goals. According to Edutopia, "Technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent and is accessible and readily available for the task at hand." Incorporating technology should no longer be an afterthought, but rather an expected medium for learning.
The use of technology is changing the way people get an education. Previously, getting a college degree while working and having a family was next to impossible. Today, with the flexibility and the efficiency of online learning and e-textbooks, a greater population can obtain an education. Those people whose finances prevented them from going to school or whose country lacked in the availability of the Internet are now given the opportunity be connected to the rest of the world and involved in getting an education. The increase of online courses, free web materials, and the spread of tablets, smart phones, and the Internet will allow those even illiterate around the world to become literate, gain knowledge, and help their communities.
References:
Edutopia. (n.d.). What is technology integration? Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-description
U.S. Department of Education. (2010) National Education Technology Plan 2010 Executive Summary. Retrieved from http://www.ed.gov/technology/netp-2010
Technology is everywhere and has become more apparent in our classrooms today. With the increase of iPads, smart boards, video cameras, laptops, and a wide array of software and websites, teachers need to be trained in how to use these not as fancy typewriters, but as innovative ways to teach. We need to show our children a different way of learning but also living. The 2010 National Education Technology Plan calls for "engaging and empowering personalized learning experiences for learners of all ages. The model stipulates that we focus what and how we teach to match what people need to know and how they learn."
Learning basic reading, writing, math, and science skills are no longer the only skills children need to learn in order to be successful. Now more than ever, children not only need to be computer literate, but computer savvy. They need to be innovative and creative, critical thinkers and problem solvers, and able to collaborate. Children need to move towards becoming entrepreneurs in this changing world. Learning opportunities in the classroom need to reflect these goals. According to Edutopia, "Technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent and is accessible and readily available for the task at hand." Incorporating technology should no longer be an afterthought, but rather an expected medium for learning.
The use of technology is changing the way people get an education. Previously, getting a college degree while working and having a family was next to impossible. Today, with the flexibility and the efficiency of online learning and e-textbooks, a greater population can obtain an education. Those people whose finances prevented them from going to school or whose country lacked in the availability of the Internet are now given the opportunity be connected to the rest of the world and involved in getting an education. The increase of online courses, free web materials, and the spread of tablets, smart phones, and the Internet will allow those even illiterate around the world to become literate, gain knowledge, and help their communities.
References:
Edutopia. (n.d.). What is technology integration? Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-description
U.S. Department of Education. (2010) National Education Technology Plan 2010 Executive Summary. Retrieved from http://www.ed.gov/technology/netp-2010