Educational/Instructional Technology Organizations

EDUCAUSE and OTEC

EDUCAUSE® is a nonprofit association whose mission is to advance higher education by promoting the intelligent use of information technology. EDUCAUSE helps those who lead, manage, and use information resources to shape strategic decisions at every level. A comprehensive range of resources and activities is available to all interested employees at EDUCAUSE member organizations, with special opportunities open to designated member representatives.
EDUCAUSE programs include professional development activities, applied research, strategic policy advocacy, teaching and learning initiatives, online information services, print and electronic publications, special interest collaborative communities, and awards for leadership and innovation.

http://www.educause.edu/about


The Organization for Educational Technology & Curriculum (OETC) is an incorporated not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to maximizing the value of educational technology to its members by working with software and hardware vendors to procure the most effective and appropriate technological resources at the lowest possible price. Schools rely on us for quality assurance and low-cost certainty for technology purchasing. OETC membership is comprised of more than 800 educational institutions, school districts, colleges, and other non-profit educational organizations throughout the U.S.

http://www.oetc.org/


I chose both of these because they are nonprofit and they provide a lot of resources for educator interested in promoting and purchasing technology. EDUCAUSE has support for BLOGS and WIKI which is something we are focusing on in this class. OTEC provides low-cost purchasing programs, professional development, and influence dedicated to the integration of technology in education.

Educational Technology

My definition of educational technology: Educational technology is the study and analysis of learning and performance by designing, implementing, evaluating, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources.


My definition connects with my educational philosophy because they both focus on student learning and performance. My philosophy focuses on knowledge and experiences and educational technology provides tools and resources to help us expand student learning outside the classroom as well as assist in decreasing challenges our students face.

Technology Project

Expectations for ETEC 524

My expectations for this class is learn more about education and technology and learn something new about myself. The educational technology philosophy has already started me off o the right foot.

Creating a Culture for Teaching and Learning

Number 3- We Need To Tell Our Stories. This area stood out to me the most because most us do not share the wonderful exciting things that are going on in our classroom. Part of my position at work is to help teachers who are ineffective in the classroom. Most of the teacher I work have bad habits they learned from other ineffective teachers. Sometimes they don't know what they are doing is wrong. If more good teacher, who are doing magnificent things in their classroom, would blog or publish articles about their success more teachers would have good examples to pull from. Reading stories about real teachers, from their perspective, teaching kids like yours, can spark change in classroom.  

Stephen Downes' Article

I enjoyed reading the Stephen Downes' article.His perspective on the power of blogging was right on target.  Blogging allows you share your point of view with individuals you might not come in contact with. It also allows you to gather different perspectives on ideas and connect with people from all different backgrounds. We have not met the potential of blogging because many people are not utilizing it. Blogging in our school district has really made a difference in writing for our students and even with the known benefits we still have teacher hesitant about blogging or just not doing it. I think some people are still afraid of technology and slow to embrace change.

Philosophy Down in Writing

When I was writing my philosophy I was really amazed at how much I had to say about education. At times I was battling with myself about what was my philosophy versus my opinion on education can be improved. I am glad I have it on paper know because I can review it and make changes as I grow.  This has been a powerful writing exercise because I had not reflected on my beliefs and values of education since I first started teaching.

Educational Technology Philosophy

Educational Technology Philosophy

Working in education is very challenging. Reflecting on why I believe education is important provides me with renewed energy and makes those challenges less daunting. Below, my educational philosophy combines my values and beliefs about learning and along with my personal perspectives on education.

I believe the purpose of education is to provide children with tools and experiences that increase their knowledge and help them become lifelong learners. An education is not limited to a set curriculum or subject. Education should be global, social and ongoing. The goal of education is to create productive members of society who dream, invent, philosophize, build, innovate, and imagine so that the world can continue flourish. Educational Technology enhances learning and knowledge through connecting minds all over the world, giving us access to infinite knowledge in a matter of seconds, and providing programs and hardware that make the impossible possible.

My belief is that the role of a learner is to embrace the world around them and open their mind to unlimited possibilities. The learner should not be limited in what they are taught. Learners allow their teachers to challenge them and provide them with situations that are outside of their comfort zone. As a learner, knowledge is valued. Learners also welcome teaching others and learning from their peers.

The teacher’s role in education is to be the facilitator of knowledge for the learners. I believe that teachers provide students with experiences that enhance their learning and help them make connections to the real world. Through investigations, project based learning, and integration of technology, teachers challenge their students to value knowledge and become lifelong learners. Teachers are responsible for providing the education that helps our students become productive members of society.

My passion for education drives my every day to provide my students with a great educational experience.  Because I value the entity of education, a thirst for knowledge, hard work, high expectations and determination, I make sure my students get the best of me every day. My goal is to positively impact the lives of my students in a way that helps them value education and the world around them. Through the integration of technology, research based best practices, and building relationships with my students, I hope to accomplish my goal. Also, continuing my own personal growth in education, through professional development and working towards my doctorate, I will stay abreast of the every changing scope of education and provide relevant knowledge to my students. I have high expectations for my student and I expect that with my guidance their education will be great.

Knowledge is the gateway to unlimited success in life. I truly believe that without knowledge and education your life will be spent in the dark. My educational philosophy renews my passion for learning and provides me with justification for putting my best foot forward in the classroom every day.