Ed Tech Philosophy

1. What is Good Teaching?

Good teaching, according to my educational technology philosophy, aligns with the ISTE Standards for Educators. It involves not only mastery of subject matter but also a commitment to leveraging technology effectively to enhance student learning experiences. As outlined in ISTE Standard 1: Learner, educators should continually strive for professional growth in technology integration, fostering a dynamic and innovative learning environment. Additionally, Standard 5: Designer emphasizes the creation of authentic, technology-infused learning opportunities, ensuring that teaching practices are not only informed by educational technology but also designed to meet the diverse needs of students. 

In addition, good teaching , as conceptualized by the Triple E Framework, goes beyond the traditional transmission of information to embrace a transformative and technology-enhanced approach. The Triple E Framework, developed by Dr. Liz Kolb, focuses on three key components: Engage, Enhance, and Extend. Engage refers to the ability of technology to captivate students' interest and make learning relevant. A good teacher employing the Triple E Framework ensures that technology not only captures attention but also enhances the learning experience by facilitating a deeper understanding of the subject matter (Enhance). Moreover, a teacher's use of technology should extend learning beyond the classroom, providing opportunities for students to apply knowledge in real-world contexts and fostering a sense of ownership over their education (Extend). In essence, good teaching with the Triple E Framework acknowledges that technology is a tool for engagement, enhancement, and extension, propelling education into a dynamic and student-centered realm.

2. What is Good Learning?

Good learning, in the context of my educational technology philosophy, is synonymous with ISTE Standards for Students. It encompasses the ability of learners to become empowered, innovative, and responsible digital citizens. Guided by ISTE Standard 7: Global Collaborator, good learning involves students engaging in collaborative, technology-driven projects that foster critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication. Students should develop a deep understanding of digital literacy, computational thinking, and ethical use of technology, as outlined in various ISTE Standards, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of the digital age.

Good learners in the 21st century are dynamic individuals who embrace a set of skills and attitudes that extend beyond traditional academic knowledge. In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, a good 21st-century learner is characterized by adaptability, critical thinking, collaboration, and technological proficiency. These learners are not just consumers of information but active creators, leveraging technology to explore, innovate, and communicate ideas. They are adept at navigating a wealth of digital resources, discerning reliable information from a vast array of sources. Good 21st-century learners are also socially conscious, valuing global perspectives and understanding the interconnectedness of our world. They approach learning as a lifelong journey, recognizing that success in the 21st century demands a combination of intellectual curiosity, digital literacy, and a commitment to continuous growth. In essence, being a good learner in the 21st century means embracing a holistic and dynamic approach to education that prepares individuals not just for the challenges of today but also for the unknowns of tomorrow.

3. What is Worth Knowing?

What is worth knowing aligns with the ISTE Standards for Students, emphasizing not only factual knowledge but also the development of essential skills. Informed by ISTE Standard 4: Innovative Designer, worth knowing involves students acquiring knowledge that allows them to solve real-world problems using technology. This includes proficiency in digital tools, coding, and a comprehensive understanding of the ethical and responsible use of technology, ensuring that knowledge is not static but applicable to a rapidly changing world.

4. Who is the Educated Person?

In my educational technology philosophy, the educated person is someone who embodies the ISTE Standards for Educators. This individual is a lifelong learner, committed to continuous professional development in educational technology (ISTE Standard 5: Designer). The educated person is also a facilitator of digital citizenship (ISTE Standard 3: Citizen), nurturing a learning environment that promotes ethical, responsible, and inclusive technology use. Furthermore, the educated person embraces collaboration and is skilled in leveraging technology to personalize learning experiences, meeting the diverse needs of students (ISTE Standard 6: Facilitator).

5. What is the Purpose of School?

The purpose of school extends beyond traditional knowledge dissemination to the cultivation of 21st-century skills outlined in the ISTE Standards. It serves as a hub for fostering digital citizenship, innovation, and creativity (ISTE Standard 7: Collaborator). The school is a dynamic space where students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a technology-driven society. By integrating technology effectively, schools become transformative environments that prepare students to be adaptive, collaborative, and responsible global citizens, aligning with the overarching goals of the ISTE Standards.

Resources:

International Society for Technology in Education. "ISTE Standards for Educators." ISTE, www.iste.org/standards/for-educators.

International Society for Technology in Education. "ISTE Standards for Students." ISTE, www.iste.org/standards/for-students.

Kolb, Liz. Learning First, Technology Second: The Educator’s Guide to Designing Authentic Lessons. International Society for Technology in Education,

 2017.