Week 2

3 issues shaping the role of technology in education
1. Standards movement - We need to know how technology can help our students meet required standards in the curriculum.
2. Reliance on the Internet and on distance education - More and more virtual schools are popping up in U.S. education. Students could have more access to high quality courses through virtual schools.
3. The debate over directed vs. inquiry-based, constructivist instructional methods - Teacher directed learning has been long used and has been found effective in addressing curriculum standards but some see this learning has not exciting for most students. Inquiry-based learning is more modern and interesting for students but it is unclear how this type of learning is meeting the required standards.

3 things learned from the history of educational technology that can help us shape today's issue
1. Things change faster than teachers can keep up - When technology continues to change, teachers bear the largest burden. We must try to learn the new technology and adapt our teaching methods to it. I believe as educators, we need to be aware of the ever changing field of technology and see it as an investment of future better practices in teaching.
2. Older technologies can be useful - With the ever changing technology, I believe sometimes we give up on certain technology too quickly. We need to devote ample time to learning new educational technology and use it before moving on to the next new thing in technology. Teachers must be well informed on all educational technology.
3. Computer/ technological literacy offers a limited integration rationale - Appropriate guidelines must be established for integration of technology. I believe the skills should be matched to all subject areas for technology resources.