Educational Technology Through My Eyes

Educational technology is the study of how technology can be used to support and enhance teaching and learning. This technology, however, is not limited to computers. SmartBoards, digital/video cameras, and audio enhancement equipment are only some of the tools that are beginning to find their way into classrooms.

I believe that the use of technology is essential for teaching and learning in the 21st century. As early as infancy, children begin to interact with it. From Baby Mozart and LeapFrog toys to iPods, cell phones, and video game systems, children are not only surrounded by technology, they are self-learned experts in it. Unfortunately, the technology they have embraced at home is often missing in school. In response to an increasingly technology-driven society, educators must provide opportunities for students to interact individually and collaboratively with different technological tools to solve authentic problems.

An ideal learning environment would be one where instruction is differentiated, students’ learning styles are addressed, individual and collaborative work are encouraged, and technology is used to support and supplement instruction in meaningful ways. In terms of technology, each student would have access to a computer with Internet and printer connections as well as up-to-date educational and application software. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that these tools cannot, by themselves, create an ideal learning environment. Without a knowledgeable teacher to create meaningful lessons and facilitate learning, what could have been an ideal learning situation falls short of just that.