We live in a time when technology is ingrained in everything we do. Society has become dependent on accessing information anytime from anywhere. This connectedness is slowly trickling into public education. “If Ralph Tyler were alive today, he would stress once again that any educational system is by its very nature an extension of the values of its society” (Simpson, 1999, p. 86). According to Tyler the education system is an extension of society. Walk with me through my vision of educational technology.
Technology is an integral part of the curriculum and not an additional component. Students use technology in all courses to create, collaborate, and communicate. The gate keeper is now the facilitator, because the gate is opened to allow students to tap into the wealth of information available from experts, the community, and the internet. Technology leaders “use learning analytics to help educators design systems and approaches to better measure student outcomes and faculty development” (Johnson, Smith, Levine, & Haywoord, 2011, p. 29).
All schools will have robust wireless networks that provide access to a variety of cloud based tools and services. The on-demand information, software, and storage made available in the cloud are used by school personnel and students. Cloud based graphics software, such as Picnik and Pixl, remove the need for powerful computers to run graphics software. Cloud services such as Google Apps for Schools are being used to cut cost and help students prepare for their future. Students can use social bookmarking websites such as Diigo to save resources gathered during research. Not having a flash drive is no longer a problem when work is stored in the cloud, using cloud storage services such as Dropbox.
Students use collaborative environments in the cloud to interact with others. Collaboration is no longer limited to the confines of the classroom. Wikis and blogs are often chosen by students as a way to communicate ideas and receive feedback from others. Students use tools such as Google Docs or Windows Live SkyDrive to collaboratively create a product. “Collaborative projects involving students at other schools, even in other countries, is more and more commonplace as a strategy to expose learners to a variety of perspectives” (Johnson, Smith, Levine, & Haywoord, 2010, p. 14).
With the use of cloud computing environments and tools the use of mobile devices has increased. Mobile devices have continued to improve and become even more cost effective since first recommended by the 2010 Horizon Report. Mobile devices such as iPad’s, Netbooks, Tablets, and even some smart phones provide more than enough power and storage to create, collaborate, and store files in the cloud. Mobile devices have come to replace the traditional text books mainly because students can carry thousands of books in their pocket or purse.
Ebook readers and apps often offer features such as highlighters, the ability to save notes, screen readers, and even built in dictionaries. Students can interact with the text in the way that best meets their needs. Students easily look up words while they read the text with the built in dictionary. Students store books for all subjects in the one ebook that they easily transport between school and home. Students are no longer required to keep a written reading log in reading class because the teacher and the student can easily access the student’s reading records.
Assessment and remediation is no longer based on class performance, but based on individual student performance. Teachers utilize technology to analyze student performance on individual objectives. Students complete “just in time” tutorials based on objectives they have not mastered. Teachers use different methods of formative assessment to determine student level of mastery.
“Learning is now a 24/7/365 activity. As a result, we now have the opportunity to teach students to be lifelong learners and to create their own independent learning practice they can carry with them” (Richardson, 2007, para. 7). A technology integrated curriculum, cloud computing environments, collaboration environments, and mobile devices provide students with a menu driven student centered learning environment that better reflects the norms of society.