Blog 3

How has technology been used in education?

Technology has been used in education to enhance the educational framework that we have always used. Computers are used to perform research; in the past, we used encyclopedias and microfiche. Computers are used to type up those research papers; in the past, we used type writers. Teachers are finding games to enhance students' learning; in the past, we played physical games. In my classroom, I use technology a lot. I use a LMS to deliver all assignments and course information to my students, I also record lectures and instructions for students to watch. While students watch the videos, I make individual contact with them.

How should technology be used in the future?

Technology should be used a bit differently than most of us use it! We should use it to provide a learning experience that cannot be gained without it. It needs to be exciting, meaningful, and new. We need to let students choose what they want to learn and how they want to use it. We need to offer them courses online that are not currently available in their schools. We need to provide enough variety that there is something for everyone.

Blog 2

What does it mean to be a teacher-leader?
A teacher leader is someone who has taken on leadership roles and additional professional responsibilities. They are well versed in adult-learning theory and use that knowledge to create a community of collective responsibility within his or her school. The teacher leader ensures improvement in educator instruction and student learning (teacherleaderstandards.org).

According to ascd.org, a teacher leader has 10 roles.

1. Resource Provider - share instructional resources.
2. Instructional Specialist - helps colleagues implement effective teaching strategies.
3. Curriculum Specialist - guide teachers in proper use of curriculum.
4. Classroom Supporter - help teachers implement new ideas by demonstrating, co-teaching, or observing.
5. Learning Facilitator - facilitate professional learning opportunities.
6. Mentor - serve as mentor for novice teachers.
7. School Leader - serve on committees, such as a school improvement team.
8. Data Coach - lead conversations that engage peers in analyzing and using data to strengthen instruction.
9. Catalyst for Change - "never content with the status quo but rather always looking for a better way" (Larner, 2004, p. 32).
10. Learner - model continual improvement, and lifelong learning.

Why is teacher-leadership so important with regard to educational technology?

A teacher leader should be someone who embraces change. Educational technology is all about change. If technology changes as often as Moore's Law dictates, teacher leaders are vital to education. We need to have individuals who are willing to seek after change and who are passionate enough to share changes with their peers. Without teacher leaders, education would surely fail because we would no longer be relevant to the needs of our customers/students.

Blog 1

What are the benefits of technology use in education?
There are many benefits to using technology in education. Some of these benefits include individualized instruction, motivation, increased access to resources, availability of resources outside of the classroom, security, and a wide variety of technology choices. Students are definitely more engaged through the use of technology. Students have the ability to show more creativity and individuality through the use of technology. Students who have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling can hide these disabilities through the use of technology. The list could go on and on.

Why isn’t technology used more often and more effectively?
I feel that there are many reasons that technology is not used in the classroom. Maybe one of the biggest reason is fear of the unknown. Educators are unsure of how to properly use technology in their classroom. To address this fear, we need to provide professional development opportunities for teachers. This professional development needs to include more than just a lecture; it needs to provide actual use of technology in order for those teachers to become comfortable with using it in their classrooms. Another reason for the lack of technology use may be that there is too much technology from which to choose. There are so many great ideas; how do you choose just one?