Integrating Instructional Technology
Running head: INTEGRATING INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY
Integrating Instructional Technology
Jimmy L. Burnett, Jr.
Grand Canyon University: EDU 225 Instructional Technology
July 22, 2012
Technology of the past 20 years has become a focal point of teaching and learning. As a teacher, it is my job to facilitate the learning for an individual by creating an environment that not only conducive for learning, but also places the child in a position to discover and learn them for themselves. Technology has given teachers to opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom, and has begun to reshape their role in the learning process. In the past, teachers were looked upon as the purveyor of all knowledge. Students were solely dependent upon the teacher to give them everything they need to learn. Teachers were required to learn and understand the curriculum and pour it into their students. Nowadays, teachers are still required to know and understand the curriculum, but they must also be empowered to adapt it in such a way to meet the instructional needs of all of their students (Shelly, Gunter & Gunter, 2010). Technology offers the instructor that flexibility, in addition to the ability to providing the information needed to ensure their students thrive in today’s digital world. My approach to teaching is simple, I want to teach my students material that are relevant, applicable and something that they can relate to. According to the video script of this week’s module, the purpose of technology is to enhance learning and engage students (Grand Canyon Univ., 2012). I couldn’t agree with this more, anything that is added to the curriculum should only be added to enrich it. I would use technology to reinforce what is being taught in class, as well as an outlet which students can begin to engage themselves in self-discovery. My mission is to create lifelong learners, and technology definitely will assist me in
Integrating Instructional Technology
Jimmy L. Burnett, Jr.
Grand Canyon University: EDU 225 Instructional Technology
July 22, 2012
Technology of the past 20 years has become a focal point of teaching and learning. As a teacher, it is my job to facilitate the learning for an individual by creating an environment that not only conducive for learning, but also places the child in a position to discover and learn them for themselves. Technology has given teachers to opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom, and has begun to reshape their role in the learning process. In the past, teachers were looked upon as the purveyor of all knowledge. Students were solely dependent upon the teacher to give them everything they need to learn. Teachers were required to learn and understand the curriculum and pour it into their students. Nowadays, teachers are still required to know and understand the curriculum, but they must also be empowered to adapt it in such a way to meet the instructional needs of all of their students (Shelly, Gunter & Gunter, 2010). Technology offers the instructor that flexibility, in addition to the ability to providing the information needed to ensure their students thrive in today’s digital world. My approach to teaching is simple, I want to teach my students material that are relevant, applicable and something that they can relate to. According to the video script of this week’s module, the purpose of technology is to enhance learning and engage students (Grand Canyon Univ., 2012). I couldn’t agree with this more, anything that is added to the curriculum should only be added to enrich it. I would use technology to reinforce what is being taught in class, as well as an outlet which students can begin to engage themselves in self-discovery. My mission is to create lifelong learners, and technology definitely will assist me in
References: Shelly, G. B., Gunter, G. A., & Gunter, R. E. (2010).Teacher discovering computers: integrating technology and digital media in the classroom. (Sixth ed). Mason, Oh: Cengage Learning. Grand Canyon University. (Producer) (2012). Module 4: technology to enhance instruction - hardware in the classroom! [Web]. Retrieved July 22, 2012 from http://angel05.gcu.edu/section/default.asp?id=880261 Contributing Writer to the Huffington Post. (2010, Oct. 22). Technology in schools: Weighing The pros and cons.Huff Post Education. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/22/technology-in-schools-wei_n_772674.html Ain, M. (2011, October 25). Are schools getting carried away with technology. WordPress.com. Retrieved July 22, 2012 from http://youreducationdoctor.wordpress.com/2011/10/25/are-schools-getting-too-carried-away-with-technology/ Hermitt, eHow Contributor, A. (2012). Pros and cons to technology in the classroom. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/about_5384898_pros-cons-technology-classroom.html