My+Vision+of+Instructional+Technology

=My Vision of Educational Technology=

Just like the end of a rainbow, you can never really find the end of technology. It is said that microcomputers only last five to seven years (Michael, 1998). With that thought in mind, we must continue to look for better ways to provide technology to our students. My vision of educational technology includes utilizing online technology tools such as learning management systems (LMS) and cloud storage options with access from anywhere with Internet. According to a poll by techLEARNING.com respondents expect schools as physical locations to become less important and they also expect learning to become more collaborative (Solomon, G., & Schrum, L., 2007). Also, the cost benefits of utilizing freeware options are certain to gain attention from government agencies given our never-ending financial awareness. And schools can only benefit from a wise use of funding. Teachers should also be more empowered to use technology. While it is well known that all teachers are to be integrating technology into their classrooms, it is also well known that many still don’t. Issues such as not enough time and support from technology staff, and online tools that are blocked at the school continue to be roadblocks for many. We must make the use of technology more convenient for educators if we wish to keep up with the rest of the world. Our future depends on our ability to compete with other countries. The Internet basically began so that research could be shared by educational facilities. Educators should keep that vision in mind and teach students to work collaboratively to obtain their goals. Which also means that teachers should be doing the same. And one of the main justifications for the visions I have for a more encompassing use of technology is the fact that it is just more fun and memorable for the students and the teachers!

Chuah, C. K. (2007). //Experience redesign: A conceptual framework for moving teaching and learning into a flexible e-learning environment//. Hong Kong: World Scientific Publishing. Holmes, S. (2007). //Hardin-Jefferson technology plan for e-rate year 10//. Sour Lake, TX: Hardin-Jefferson Independent School District. Johnson, L., Levine, A., & Smith, R. (2009). //The 2009 Horizon Report.// Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium. Kwan, R., Fox, R., Chan, F. T., & Tsang, P. (2008). //Enhancing learning through technology: Research on emerging technologies and pedagogies//. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing. Michael, S. O. (1998). //Best practices in information technology (IT) management: insights from K-12 schools technology audits//. International Journal of Educational Management, 12(6), 277-288. Senate Hearings (2002). //Technology administration and the national institute of standards and technology//. Washington, DC: The U.S. Government Printing Office. Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). //Web 2.0 new tools, new schools//. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

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