When comparing the 7th Standard (Technology Operations and Concepts) of the Professional Standards for Michigan Teachers with the objectives of this course (EDU 590) and my education (master's degree in Library and Information Science), I was a bit overwhelmed with the among of detail contained in the Professional Standards for Michigan Teacher document alone. However, upon closer examination, I realized that there were keywords and concepts throughout the Technology section that were very meaningful.
The introductory paragraph of the Technology Operations and Concepts section challenged the way I have viewed technology thus far: I'd always considered technology to be an application of some sort. But the way in which technology was referenced in this document forced me to take a much broader view. For example, "technological operations and concepts" not just "technological tools" are referenced throughout.
Another insight garnered: The fact that educational technology is intended not just to enhance learning, but to enhance "personal/professional productivity and communication" as well as the ability to perform and enhance a variety of educational activities.
To be honest, I've been questioning whether educational technology referred to (1) the technology used to teach or (2) the technology students use to learn or complete a task. But upon further reflection, it's both -- and so much more!
The objectives of EDU 590 are well aligned with the seven objectives listed in the Standards document (a-g). For example, "Implement curriculum plans that include effective technology-enhance methods and strategies to maximize student learning" (Professional Standard for Michigan Teachers, 2008) aligns with the "design, delivery, and evaluation of an action research project.....accurately reflecting on the key elements found in good instructional design related to the technology-based lesson plan" (Umpstead, 2011).
Another example, "Apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies" (Professional Standard for Michigan Teachers, 2008) correlates with ""Designing and utilizing appropriate rubrics to assess learning with technology activities" (Umpstead, 2011).
Having earned my master's degree in Library and Information Science in 1995, we were just beginning to explore the possibilities of the World Wide Web and the use of Archie, Veronica, and Gopher in library school back in those days. The fact that we were contemplating whether or not the Web would "catch on" outside of government applications left little room to imagine the far reaching applications for technology-enhanced learning in schools today.
Professional Standards for Michigan Teachers (2008, May 13).
Umpstead, B. (2011) Syllabus - EDU 590.
All right! 3 down, 2 to go. I appreciated your thoughtfulness in this post.
ReplyDeleteJennifer:
ReplyDeleteI definitely agreed with your previous thought on educational technology. When I first was contemplating the true meaning of what educational technology is, I took a look at it from the teaching aspect of “what can we as instructors use technology wise to teach this lesson”. However, it is also based off of student use of the technology in the right way to learn and complete the task following their specific learning style. It is nice to read your point of view on technology. The fact you all contemplated whether or not the web would catch on definitely put things into perspective for me how much things have changed. I have always had technology for use outside of government applications, so it is great to see how technology was implemented in ’95 into how it is implemented today.
-Rob Alford