A Reflection on Readings

        In my opinion, all three readings have a couple key points in common.  First of all, the general theme of both Tech Tonic and The Flickering Mind is that technology is not the end all be all, especially in the realm of education.  That is, just because new technologies exist and continue to progress, this does not necessarily mean that the educational system and instructional strategies will dramatically change right away, nor should they.  Oppenheimer furthers this point by saying that computers will never take the place of teachers and classrooms in the traditional sense as some people have claimed over the years.  They also agree that technology must be used in a responsible and planned manner in order to be effective when used in instruction.  For example, Tech Tonic states that technological literacy does not only mean being competent in using machines but it also refers to teachers and students being creative, critical and ethically responsible when it comes to using technology.  Oppenheimer talks about how technology will not be effective if teachers are not trained properly in how, why, and when they should incorporate technology into their instruction.  Furthermore, the NET-S goals demonstrate incorporating technology into the classroom in an ideal manner.

       All in all, I believe all three texts would agree that in order for technology to be truly effective in education technological practices must be used in meaningful ways.  They must not take the place of the teacher or instruction but must act as a supplemental tool that each teacher is trained in using appropriately.  As technology will inevitably be a part of students’ lives, they must be taught to use it responsibly, critically and ethically (as the specific forms of technology will be forever changing), without losing out on face-to-face interactions and our “humanistic traditions”.

Philosophy of Learning and Technology

My philosophy of learning is that learning is as much about personal growth as it is about academic growth.  Learning allows people to become well rounded individuals.  It opens their eyes and mind to other opinions, ideas and information which allows them to see the world more completely and from other perspectives.  I believe every man, woman and child has the ability, right and duty to learn throughout their entire lives in whatever capacity appropriate.  I believe the aim for education and learning should be to promote positive personal and academic growth and that every child regardless of disability, culture, race, etc. should be constantly challenged to reach a new and higher level of learning appropriate for his or her personal situation.

            I believe it is the responsibility of the teacher to use a variety of instructional strategies and assistive technology to promote the best opportunity for each student to learn.  .  The teacher is the guide and it is his or her job to captivate the audience and bring about the most academic and personal growth possible during the school year that will carry with them throughout the students’ lives.  Understanding and keeping up-to-date on the latest innovations in technology is part of this responsibility.  I believe technology in general should be used as an aid in the classroom to supplement the students’ learning and captivate them in new and exciting ways.  Technology should also be used as a tool to engage students to actively participate in their learning; allowing them to take more away from the classroom and, hopefully, retain more content long term.