Personal philosophy for using educational technology to facilitate student learning

I am responsible for facilitating student learning in the 21st century school. Student learning will best be accomplished using technology. The TPACK Framework describes the interactions between teachers’ knowledge and their technological pedagogical knowledge. I must prepare students not just to understand content knowledge but also to learn the technology knowledge in order to give them the best chance for success in the real world. (Koehler & Mishra, 2007). Technology keeps learning moving at warp speed. It is crucial to integrate technology that both enhances and transforms learning instruction. One way to integrate technology into teaching and learning is to utilize the SAMR model as described by Dr. Ruben Puentedura. “The goal is to transform learning experiences so they result in higher levels of achievement for students.” (Schrock, 2022). Technology in the classroom should be available to ALL students. Modifications to the technology will help meet individual student needs. Technology should also be available for all students to be able to learn from home. This need is met by checking out devices to individuals who do not otherwise have access to them, or according to Ribble, “additional opportunities such as open computer labs, evening access to school libraries, and extracurricular activities should be offered.” (2015). In order to effectively use technology at school or home, students must first be taught how to use it ethically. Students can learn how to show academic integrity by citing correctly others’ work and eliminating plagiarism. Students must also be taught how to leave a positive digital footprint. By understanding how they tread on technology and the inability to “take back” something that was said or shared online, students will be more likely to use appropriate language and images. Teachers must also teach students to be decent digital citizens. My job is no longer to aid students solely in becoming active and contributing members to society but also online. Students must learn to be respectful, positive, and aware online. They must also learn the appropriate way to use the hardware of the technology.