VISION STATEMENT
Instructional technology has become an inextricable component of K-12 education, a process that began in the 1950s with the pre-microcomputer era (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, pp. 8-9). Passing through the evolution of technology in education, mobile technologies are currently influencing learning and teaching in the classroom. With so many tools available, classrooms have the remarkable potential of being transformed in terms of levels of engagement, personalization, efficiency, and relevancy. Because of the transformational potential of educational technology, educators need the support and tools necessary to make effective changes in their classrooms. One way teachers can improve their use of technology is to learn about effective strategies on their own. According to a study by Gray, Lewis and Tice (2010), 78% of teachers learn independently. The same study indicated that 61% are prepared to integrate technology by participating in professional development activities. In fact, one-third of teacher respondents have dedicated more than 8 hours of professional development in the past year to increasing their knowledge of instructional technology. Most importantly, professional development needs to be available to assist teachers in making shifts toward integrating technology into their classrooms.
Instructional technology has become an inextricable component of K-12 education, a process that began in the 1950s with the pre-microcomputer era (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, pp. 8-9). Passing through the evolution of technology in education, mobile technologies are currently influencing learning and teaching in the classroom. With so many tools available, classrooms have the remarkable potential of being transformed in terms of levels of engagement, personalization, efficiency, and relevancy. Because of the transformational potential of educational technology, educators need the support and tools necessary to make effective changes in their classrooms. One way teachers can improve their use of technology is to learn about effective strategies on their own. According to a study by Gray, Lewis and Tice (2010), 78% of teachers learn independently. The same study indicated that 61% are prepared to integrate technology by participating in professional development activities. In fact, one-third of teacher respondents have dedicated more than 8 hours of professional development in the past year to increasing their knowledge of instructional technology. Most importantly, professional development needs to be available to assist teachers in making shifts toward integrating technology into their classrooms.
Educators may not be able to predict the future of educational technology, but they know that it will be different from the present (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 10).
Indeed, the opportunity to improve students’ motivation and engagement, support students’ learning, and prepare students for future learning (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 26) provides a “powerful rationale” for learning the best, most effective methods and strategies for technology integration. This learning must be fluid and ongoing.
References:
Gray, L., Thomas, N., Lewis, L., & Tice, P. (2010). Teachers’ use of educational technology in U.S. public schools, 2009 first look. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Dept. of Education.
Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
References:
Gray, L., Thomas, N., Lewis, L., & Tice, P. (2010). Teachers’ use of educational technology in U.S. public schools, 2009 first look. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Dept. of Education.
Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.