Philosophy

I believe the purpose of educational technology is to improve students learning experience and provide teachers with the multiplicity of strategies that will make their own functions more effective, enjoyable and easier. As a teacher educator I see educational technology as the interesting and creative ways we design and deliver and also manage instruction for our students, dependent on age and characteristics of the learner, mode of delivery and content being delivered. Technology is powerful tool that lends itself to learning and instruction. Its intent therefore, is to facilitate growth and development in areas that allow the student to become responsible for his own learning, develop confidence in learning, have access to information, become a researcher and an owner, co-creator and creator of knowledge.

I value equality in education and so the flexibility and diversity offered through educational technology accommodates the multiplicity of needs in human society. It is important to me that each person be given a fair opportunity to exist and be a productive part of human society. As such, educational technology provides the frame that allows all persons to access education as a tool for upward mobility for some and self actualization for others. A multimodal approach will over time ensure that diverse needs and situations of the learners are addressed. I also believe the multiplicity of modes of communication through technology is sufficient to create equality, even if not equity for learners. Distance learning, e-learning, blended approach and face to face interaction become available to those who need to use such resources, providing other ways of ensuring people receive equal opportunities.

My theory of teaching through technology is that there must be a direct co-relation with technology and the educational goals of the school and the country. Technology should therefore complement instruction rather than drive it. Use of technology must be based on learning and teaching needs of the student. The educational objective must be given priority based on the national objectives of the curriculum, the types of learners and what students need to learn. Technology must not prescribe and decide for a teacher when and how instructions will be handled or which student needs which resources. It is the teacher who must decide on how to integrate technology into her teaching methods rather than allowing the presence or availability of technology to dictate or influence such. I have been using this theory to guide my students as they prepare to teach in infant, primary and secondary schools. I try to help them to see that even though they may be proficient in the use of technology, using it as an instructional aid is the focus. Deciding on the practical and relevant aspects of its application to education will determine to a great degree one’s success as a good teacher. I teach that the art of teaching is not in showmanship but instead lies in one’s interpretation of the needs of the learner and how that need is met.

http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te800.htm#goal