Brent's Revised Philosophy Statement

         Looking back at my first technology philosophy I must say that I still agree with many of the things I had written down.  I have learned more on how technology can be implemented in the classroom; however one must remember that you should only use technology within a lesson if it has a large effect on teaching/learning that could not otherwise be produced without it. Some of the effects could be increasing activity and decreasing management time, aiding in feedback and assessment, creating motivating lessons, increasing student participation, and the overall tracking of results over the years. Technology should not be used for the sake of having technology in the classroom, there needs to be reason for which its use is implemented. Moreover, after learning more in this class, I can see that some schools want to be able and try to implement more technology within the class since it is so reachable to students in their outside lives. If teachers can use technology effectively in the classroom then students will leave school with a much better learning experience.

            As I began in my first original statement I believe that the use of technology is an important platform to use in education. Students are surrounded by it, and the use of it can not only correlate with their lives but keep them interested and focused. Technology can elicit motivation and interest within the classroom, allowing for an overall productive class. I feel that with plethora of devices and programs out on the market, student learning and experiences can be improved. The use of technology to demonstrate and display information within the classroom gives children a great experience and reference for correctness and information. I believe that technology can be used as a means for homework assignments as well to help create more intelligent and active students. Allowing children to play with and see technology within class can give them lots information about performing a skill correctly, play a sport by the rules, be physically active, and how to be healthy.

             Devices with possible use and affect in the classroom include computer programs such as web quest, power point, excel, movie maker, sea monkey, Dreamweaver. Other things can be used such as video cameras, PDA’s, tablet PCs, DVDs, heart rate monitors. All of these have a use whether it is used for demonstrations, feedback, record keeping, or assessment. Academic classes are not the only ones who can place technology in the classroom. On the downside, many school districts across the U.S.A are facing financial crisis, and have devised a plan to limit P.E. budgets, therefore limiting your ability to use technology in class., I have learned that these sorts of things can be very expensive, so teachers need to check their budgets and do research before picking any technology product. They also need to be able to prove to the school district that it will in some way improve student learning and teacher efficiency.

            Again I feel that technology can be used for more than just use in the classroom. It can be a great means to use when communicating with parents, co-workers, and others in the community. Having relationships with parents allow for better teaching experiences and can make you more accepted and respected person in the community and school district. Using webpage’s, e-mail, and blog to communicate with those outside the classroom about various issues is very important in your professional career. All in all, I feel that most of my opinions have stayed the same. However, I have learned more about the practical use of technology in school and how it can create an authentic and positive learning experience for students. The main goal teacher should have when using technology in the classroom is to improve their teacher effectiveness, improve student activity and participation, and to improve communication.