Technology is BOOMING!: A Philosophy of Education
Grocery stores, schools, doctor offices, airports, street corners, and amusement parks: almost every location in human society resembles a plethora of technological advancements. Adaptations are made to these surroundings daily, transforming society into a flourish of technology. It is evident that technology is the fastest growing trend in history. Consider the computer and its evolution. Data collected by Robert Cringly of PBS reveals that the first freely programmable computer was developed in 1937. It was the size of a small house and one of a kind. Today computers are everywhere and have reduced in size to handheld devices. According to a US census issued in the October 2005 edition of US Census Bureau, 62.8% of American households have at least one accessible computer, and 54.7% have Internet access. Obviously, technology is exploding throughout our society at a remarkable speed, and because of this, numerous adaptations are developing in every career field. Rarely is there a modern career that does not require its pursuers to be technologically savvy. Because of this change in society, teachers have an enormous responsibility to prepare America’s future for the .com, control+alt+delete, and BlackBerry world that their students will soon renovate. As a future educator, I realize the importance of integrating technology into education. I am aware that technology enhances students learning in a variety of ways and prepares them for their future careers. In order for me to be a fully capable technology advocate, I realize that I must create lessons plans that involve technology, meet set technology standards, further my education in this growing field, and be an example of technology in my classroom.
Graphic: http://www.nikhef.nl/~h73/kn1c/ELSTAT/Explosion.jpg
Based on research, it is clear that technology needs to be regularly addressed in the classroom. I believe that technology should be an element of learning as often as possible. To do this, I will create a variety of lesson plans that address various technological skills. I realize, however, that when teaching there is rarely enough time to focus an entire lesson on technology. Therefore, I will integrate these skills into all subject areas. I will use technology not only as a product of learning, but also as a method to introduce new content through the Internet and various tasks in computer programs. By using technology to introduce and expand on content, my students will see that technological knowledge can be used to expand education in numerous ways. Applying this concept will also generate critical thinking among my students. When incorporating technology into the curriculum, I feel that critical thinking is a crucial area that must be addressed. Some ways that I will encourage this are WebQuests, problem solving searches, and interactive puzzles. I will use all of these technological elements in the classroom through my lesson plans as I achieve my goal of integrating technology into the classroom as often as possible.
Graphic: http://www.nbps.org/NBSofCoralSprings/technology/Technolgy.jpg
Because of Bush and the No Child Left Behind Act, an increased pressure for students to academically succeed is placed upon teachers. Standards are required in every content area, including technology. I understand that it is my responsibility as an educator to see that my students meet these technology standards. Therefore, I will review them frequently to ensure that all standards are being met. When creating lesson plans, I will incorporate technology standards into other content areas as well, for I believe that integrating these standards into my curriculum will greatly benefit my students. As I incorporate these standards, my students will realize that technology is a part of almost every area of life. In addition, I am aware that meeting these standards will ensure that my students are well rounded in all areas of technology. This is crucial for children in a world that where innovative technology concepts are constantly changing and emerging.
As an educator, I know that teachers need to be knowledgeable in every content area in which they teach. This applies when incorporating technology into the classroom. Because technology is a rapidly growing field of education, I feel that the process of gaining knowledge in this area involves continuously learning about it and its evolution. As I grow and develop as an educator, I will expand my education by attending workshops and classes that teach how to integrate technology into the classroom. I will also read updated material in newspapers, magazines, and websites to inform me of technology and its developments. As I discover modern technological skills, I will be able to not only apply them to my life, but teach them to my students. Consequently, my students will be more prepared for the technologically advanced society that they are part of. Another way that I plan on discovering new and innovative ways of integrating technology into the classroom is by collaborating with my co-workers. I will share my ideas and successful lesson plans with them and learn from their technological successes as we work together to prepare our future generation. I understand that children have various methods of learning technology, for each has their own learning style. Gaining these insights from other teachers will allow me to expand my lesson plans and integrate a surplus of approaches to teaching technology concepts so that I will be able to address the numerous learning styles of my students while teaching technology.
Though attaining technological knowledge and teaching it to my students is extremely important, I realize that I must also individually express it my classroom. Through application of gained technological skills, I will be example of technology to my students. There are various ways in which I will do this. One technique I will use is presenting and teaching content through Microsoft PowerPoint presentations. I will also create classroom newsletters, calendars, and assignment material through a range of technology programs. To find worksheets, projects, and lesson plans, I will use credible Internet web sites. I believe that as my students witness my example of technology, they will gain a greater understanding of its importance in their current lives and future career. To exhibit the high regard I place on technology to my students, I will use it in my classroom as often as possible. As I a result, my students will have a greater desire to apply them in their education as well.
Graphic: http://www.usc.edu/isd/locations/cst/tls/private/image/homepage
It is imperative that educators prepare their students for their future. After reviewing the increase of technology over the past seventy years, it is apparent that expanding technology is an unending trend. This places a great responsibility on teachers, for it requires them to incorporate an additional content area into curriculum. Through hard work and dedication in expressing technology, however, teachers can make an exceptional difference to the future. If technology continues to evolve as predicted, it will consume most future jobs. My prediction is that technology will continue to grow and develop even faster in the future, and I will make sure that my students are prepared for whatever technology brings their way.
Graphic: http://www.ci.niles.mi.us/images/ClipArt-DPWKidsHoldingHands.gif
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