W1/W2 – Vision Statement

Technology is changing the way people think, work, and live.  Educational technology is playing a critical role in all aspects of education.  In the past, learning and opportunities were limited mostly within the walls of the school.  Now, with the continuous growth of technology, students have a great deal of learning opportunities at their fingertips.  According to The Office of Educational Technology, “one of the most important aspects of technology in education is its ability to level the field of opportunity for students” (2017, p. 3).

A major advantage to using technology in the classroom is allowing teachers to use it in a way that can help close the gap between learners and not allow them to be left behind.  Technology can enable personalized learning, organize learning around real-world challenges and project-based learning, help learning move beyond the classroom, help learners pursue personal interests, and help close the digital divide by making transformative learning opportunities available to all learners (The Office of Educational Technology, 2017).

John Dewey’s Constructivist theory plays a role in educational technology.  The core of this theory is discovery learning where students learn by doing (Ouyang & Stanley, 2014).  Technology provides teachers and students with many avenues to learn by doing.  The amount of educational apps and websites are endless.  The use of technology in the classroom is closing many gaps by allowing students to discover a world of possibilities.

Ouyang, J. R. & Stanley, N. (2014). Theories and research in educational technology and distance learning instruction through blackboard. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 2(2), 161-172.

U. S. Department of Education. (2017). Reimagining the role of technology in higher education:  A supplement to the national education technology plan. Office of Educational Technology.  Retrieved from https://tech.ed.gov/files/2017/01/Higher-Ed-NETP.pdf.