Philosophy for using Technology in Education

Education, technology, and integration. Three words used so often within education. The
purpose of education, according to the prestige Sir Martin Luthur King Jr., education enables a
man to become more efficient, to achieve with increasing facility the legitimate goals of his life.
King further went on to posit that education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to
think critically (Tiger, 1947). Technology on the other hand is body of knowledge devoted to
creating tools, processing actions and extracting of materials. Technology is used to accomplish
various tasks in our daily lives. We use technology to extend our abilities, and individuals or
people are seen as the most important part of any technological system (University, 2015). With
both definitions combined, educational technology is defined as the study and ethical practice of
facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate
technological processes and resources (University of hawaii manoa).
With such a profound definition, it is clear that technology along with its technological
tools such as computers are vital within our educational system. I believe that students learn and
develop at different rates and technology can individualize instructions for each child. This can
be done through computer networks called integrated learning systems; teachers can prescribe
individual learning paths for students. Technology can also foster an increase in the quantity and
quality of students' thinking and writing. Perhaps one of the best documented successes with
computers in education is in developing students' writing. Several features of word processors
seem to reduce the phobia often associated with writing. Writing on the computer has a
temporary feel, making it easier to take creative and grammatical risks. Difficulty with the fine

motor skills required by handwriting usually does not transfer to the keyboard; thus the word
processor can reduce frustration (Dorricott, 1994).
In technology there are goals that are put in place. These goals include productivity,
reliance and access (Kim, 2012). In teaching I believe that I should be able to use the relevant
tools to facilitate learning for not only typical students, but atypical ones as well. Whenever
projects are issued to children, I would allow them the opportunity to use cameras, tape
recorders, computers or even video cameras to present their findings of the topic given. This will
allow them to be creative in their own way. Unlike others, I accept as true that early childhood
students has the capability to understand and adequately function technological tools when given
to them as they are fascinated with new things and love to explore.
I value technology. I value educational technology. I also value my thoughts of children
being able to use technology within my classroom to do things that I would not even be able to
fathom.

References
Dorricott, K. L. (1994, April). Why use technology. Retrieved 2014, from Technology use in
schools: http://www.ascd.org/publications/educationalleadership/apr94/vol51/num07/Why-Use-Technology%C2%A2.aspx
Kim, J. (2012, August 22). Technology and learning. Retrieved 2014, from 3 Goals and 3
challenges for our educational technology leaders:
https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/technology-and-learning/3-goals-and-3challenges-our-educational-technology-leaders
Tiger, M. (1947, January- February). Purpose of education. Retrieved 2014, from Martin
Luther King Jr. and the global freedom struggle: http://mlkkpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/encyclopedia/documentsentry/doc_470200_000/
University of hawaii manoa. (n.d.). Retrieved 2014, from What is educational technology:
http://etec.hawaii.edu/aboutbackground.html
University, W. (2015). What is technology. Retrieved 2014, from Use of technology:
http://www.useoftechnology.com/what-is-technology/