After reading these three articles, my view about what educational technology is has shifted a bit. To me, educational technology is the way we look at how people learn best and design instructional materials and processes that meet their needs. It is about changing the way we present the content to our learners. In the 20th century, we would present content through the teacher, the chalkboard and the textbook. We know so much more about how people learn now. We need to change the way we instruct them so we get optimal results.
Educational technology effects every part of the school system. It is a way to share information, not only with students, but between colleges, parents, and the greater community. When I think of educational technology, I think of smart boards and computers. It is so much greater than that. It is a holistic way of thinking about our school system and all the ways we can solve problems for students and staff. This shift takes a great amount of trust from staff and students. It can completely change the role of the student and the teacher. Through educational technology, the teacher becomes a facilitator that helps the student along in their journey.
Becoming the facilitator is an interesting perspective for me as a third grade teacher. It seems to me that it might be easier as they get older and have more skills to work with. I am still teaching some of my students how to turn the computer on! Hopefully by Christmas my class blog will be up and running! I am trying hard to keep the idea of being the facilitator in mind this year.
ReplyDeleteI feel that it is a mind shift for myself, as well as others. I had a narrow idea, or maybe just an unshaped idea, that Educational Technology was soley based on the media that provided onvenience to education. Oh so much to learn!
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