tech4

Standard Four | Social, Ethical, and Human Issues

In my Curriculum and Instruction class, specifically about technology, we had to develop our "Philosophy of Education." This artifact is a video I created discussing the importance and wonders of technology in the classroom as well as all of the resources now available to students and teachers. The video also discusses some issues that schools face with the outpouring of new technologies. Many students have personal cell phones, music devices, and computers, which appear to be their one connection to society. Unfortunately, this as created some issues when trying to teach and students would rather be texting on their cell phones. Since student teaching, I have opened up to the possibility of integrating cell phones into class participation, with the approval of the school, and other websites and ideas to get student more involved in their learning.
 * Philosophy of Technology **

My philosophy of technology is important for this standard because it demonstrates that while technology has evolved tremendously and continues to offer us great resources, there are also websites on the Internet that are not reliable resources. Additionally, it can be argued that technology, in many ways, has hindered social communication when students and adults e-mail or text rather than talk to someone face to face or call them. In this way, as the standard suggests, technology is both a blessing and a curse, which teachers must not find a way to mediate.

As a teacher in this current age, technology use and misuse is definitely a concern of mine. While there are many ways to use the Internet through web quests and other projects, it is also easier for students to plagiarize and remain off topic when given time to work. Schools have made positive steps towards limiting the websites that students may go to, but there must also be more realistic rules for cell phones and music players. It is important to use technology in lessons and I know that I will have to keep in mind what helps my students learn and grow and what does not. media type="youtube" key="Ceo7DKH2Z1Y?hl=en" height="344" width="425"