Technology Integration Philosophy
“The focus of school change has to be on supporting teachers in their efforts to become more expert and reorganizing all the aspects of the educational system so that they can teach as expertly as they know how.” – Richard Allington
The most effective education program involves both students and staff in creating a curriculum with meaningful assessments that meets the demands of the changing world. Currently, the world we live in is a technical world where students need higher-level thinking skills. As the primary student contact within schools, teachers must be empowered to use technology to create quality instruction. Educators must embrace this change in order for it to be lasting and meaningful.
My philosophy builds upon the enthusiasm and knowledge of students to help bridge the generational gap between the Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants. While teachers embrace technology at various levels, students see technology as a part of their authentic, relevant learning. I value a socially-shared cognition model, similar to the GenYes program, where students help teach the educators how to incorporate technology into the curriculum in meaningful ways. Within this model, staff members volunteer to work with a student technology mentor to design technology-integrated lessons and provide support. In this model students are agents of change, educators are the means. Leadership occurs from within.
As an experienced educator, I understand feeling overpowered by classroom needs. It is important to provide teachers with the time and structure to improve their curriculum. As a Technology Integration Specialist, I hope to motivate teachers by utilizing students and to provide quality professional development in a systematic, continuous way. It is critical for teachers to work together in teams, set department or instructional goals, learn from multiple teachers, and reflect upon their progress.
Moving to a socially-shared cognition model of Technology Integration enhances learning by creating numerous experts. Engaging teachers in generating their own IT goals involves forming a positive, cooperative environment. Involving the whole community in the integration process is the best way to ensure that changes are of benefit to all.
Literacy Philosophy
This picture displays my philosophy toward literacy instruction and learning:
“The focus of school change has to be on supporting teachers in their efforts to become more expert and reorganizing all the aspects of the educational system so that they can teach as expertly as they know how.” – Richard Allington
The most effective education program involves both students and staff in creating a curriculum with meaningful assessments that meets the demands of the changing world. Currently, the world we live in is a technical world where students need higher-level thinking skills. As the primary student contact within schools, teachers must be empowered to use technology to create quality instruction. Educators must embrace this change in order for it to be lasting and meaningful.
My philosophy builds upon the enthusiasm and knowledge of students to help bridge the generational gap between the Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants. While teachers embrace technology at various levels, students see technology as a part of their authentic, relevant learning. I value a socially-shared cognition model, similar to the GenYes program, where students help teach the educators how to incorporate technology into the curriculum in meaningful ways. Within this model, staff members volunteer to work with a student technology mentor to design technology-integrated lessons and provide support. In this model students are agents of change, educators are the means. Leadership occurs from within.
As an experienced educator, I understand feeling overpowered by classroom needs. It is important to provide teachers with the time and structure to improve their curriculum. As a Technology Integration Specialist, I hope to motivate teachers by utilizing students and to provide quality professional development in a systematic, continuous way. It is critical for teachers to work together in teams, set department or instructional goals, learn from multiple teachers, and reflect upon their progress.
Moving to a socially-shared cognition model of Technology Integration enhances learning by creating numerous experts. Engaging teachers in generating their own IT goals involves forming a positive, cooperative environment. Involving the whole community in the integration process is the best way to ensure that changes are of benefit to all.
Literacy Philosophy
This picture displays my philosophy toward literacy instruction and learning: