Philosophy of Learning

Educational Technology Program

American College of Education 

Chevin S Stone

            Consider the ideas of John Dewey in his book, The School and Society. He asked two questions: (1) how are we to understand the new educational trends as reflections of the social context—as an inevitable effort to bring education into line with the broader pattern of change in industrial society? And (2) how are we to build upon and direct them and align them with democratic social ideals? (Waks, 2013)  Although these questions were asked more than 100 years ago, they continue to resonate in the 21^st century as we move away from static methods of education to a more fluid, technology rich environment in which students of all ages now learn.

In the 21^st Century, it has become apparent that the mind is capable of amazing things.  In education, it is important to recognize how information is processed, why it is processed in particular ways for each individual, and in what manner learning occurs based on this processing mechanism. . My Philosophy of Learning (PoL) speaks to this phenomenon and how it must be applied to education. How a student grasps information affects the way a student will learn, why they choose to learn, and how they process the knowledge gained.  My PoL has its foundation in the many learning styles there are in students.  I work to identify these learning styles in my students and create a learning environment that is as diverse and fluid as they are.  Using technology in the classroom assists in providing this diverse, enriching learning environment.

Technology, as a tool for learning, brings the world of knowledge to the student in ways that no other teaching tools can.  Combining technology with more traditional learning methods, can ensure that all students are given the opportunity to express their knowledge and create new learning opportunities for themselves and their peers.  With the help of technology, I can execute my role in the classroom: create lifelong learners.

The application of technology as a tool, can and will assist students become members of a society that is changing rapidly.  Participating in this rapidly changing society is as important today as it was 100 years ago.  The questions remain the same; the answers are in how we adapt and evolve to improve our overall condition as life-long learners.

It is important to remember that technology in itself, does not replace the teacher and/or curriculum, but should be used as a tool to bring curriculum to life, supplement human interaction in the classroom, and provide opportunities for the student to self-assess their learning.  It is my intention to use my newfound knowledge of the many facets of educational technology to bring the world into the learning environment, thus giving all students, children and adults, the opportunity to learn and grow as individuals.

Professional Goals

          As I reflect on how Educational Technology will enhance my professional career, I have identified the passion that I found missing in my career.  The frustration I have felt as a middle school science educator has brought me to a place where I now know I will be able to create meaningful change in how learning occurs at the middle school level.  I will be able to use my new found skills to scaffold both up and down the curriculum, assisting my professional peers as we all prepare students for fruitful lives after their formal education has ended.

I've set the following goals for myself as an Educational Technology Professional and as a teacher:

• Use technology to create a vibrant, creative, and positive learning environment for teaching in the classroom
• Embed technology in all curriculum of the middle and high school departments at all levels
• Use my knowledge of science and technology to develop digital learning environments for middle school students and adult learners
• Become an educational technology leader in the global arena, sharing what I've learned with others and learning what I can to share with my professional peers
• Continue to work with the district Technology Department to turn our district into an efficient and effective 21st Century learning environment where all students have access to technology in order to explore their personal learning choices and become lifelong learners.

References

Waks, L.J., (2013). John Dewey and the challenge of progressive education. International Journal of Progressive Education, (9)1, 2013