Friday, September 6, 2013

Vision Statement


Throughout history there have been several revolutions that have changed the world, the first agricultural revolution in 2000 BC, the scientific revolution in 1600s, the industrial revolution in the 1800s, and the social revolution in the United States in the 1960s.  People who attempted to ignore these revolutions and continue on with their life were left behind.  If teachers attempt to ignore the technological revolution that is taking place they and the students that they are charged to teach will be left behind as well.

Technology does not mean that students don’t need teachers anymore and technology does not mean that teachers must abandon many of their preferred means of instruction.  According to Roblyer and Doering, “Teachers will always be more important than technology.” (p. 10).  Technology should be seen as a variety of tools and methods that a teacher can add to their toolbox. 

Opportunities for Teachers:  Teachers can use technology to: present information, peak their students’ interest, help their students practice skills and receive immediate feedback, to assess their students, organize their grades and teaching materials, and to communicate with their students and parents outside of class.

Opportunities for Students:  Students can use technology to: improve their computer literacy, research and explore new information, create products, practice traditional literacy and numeracy skills, conduct simulations, share information with fellow classmates, and track their own scores and progress.

Opportunities for Parents:  Parents can use technology to: monitor their child’s progress, communicate with teachers, and see the products their child creates.
Technology should be used to enhance teaching methodologies and to create a classroom community. One of the best illustrations of enhancing teaching, creating a classroom community, and involving parents can be seen at: http://russellst.school.nz/ where the entire elementary has taken technology, particularly classroom and student blogs to the next level.

Works Cited
M.D. Roblyer, A. H. (2013). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching Sixth Edition. New Jersey, NJ, USA: Pearson Education.

Russell Street School. (n.d.). Russell Street School: Inspiring 21st Century Learners. Retrieved September 6, 2013, from Russell Street School: Inspiring 21st Century Learners: http://russellst.school.nz/