Reflective Blog Posting #2

Educational Technology Organizations:

The first organization that I chose that aligned with my vision and educational technology philosophy is CCT the Center for Children & Technology. The mission of the CCT is to investigate how technology can enhance and influence teaching and learning. The purpose of the CCT is that they advise policymakers on critical issues in education, and they work to turn educational tool ideas into working prototypes, from learning games to video-based professional development tools, and they help shape implementation strategies, intervention goals, and expectations. This organization aligns with my educational technology vision because I want my students to be exposed to a variety of technologies that improve and enhance their learning. This organization is working to ensure technology that is beneficial to the students is integrated into the classroom. This organization is also working to develop more technologies that will enhance learning, and these are the tools that I want to implement in my own classroom. 

The website for this organization can be accessed at http://cct.edc.org/.

The second organization that I chose that aligned with my vision and educational technology philosophy is OET the Office of Educational Technology. The mission of the OET is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness. The purpose of the OET is to develop national educational technology policy and ensure that Department programs take advantage of the productivity and learning opportunities technology can provide. The OET invests in technologies that prepare students for college and careers, provide students with access to highly effective teaching, turnaround low-performing schools, and improve student learning. This organization aligns with my educational philosophy because I want my students to be prepared to be productive members of society. This organization focuses on technologies that equip students with the skills to do just that. They are working to ensure the technologies integrated into the classrooms are effective and efficient in preparing students for college or a career. The OET wants the technology that is integrated into the curriculum to provide students with the skills they need to be successful, which is what I work towards day in and day out in my classroom. 

The website for this organization can be accessed at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/index.html.

Educational Technology Definition and Alignment with Educational Philosophy: 

Educational technology is the integration of any form of technology that is beneficial to the learner in any educational setting. The technology integrated must enhance and promote the learning process and can be used in a variety of ways that stimulate learning. 

This definition of educational technology aligns with my educational philosophy because it is focused on benefiting the learner. My focus is to teach my students the skills necessary to succeed in life. Technology is becoming more and more significant to our daily lives, and I need to integrate technology as much as possible to prepare my students with the skills they will need now and in the future. I also want to use a variety of methods to keep my students engaged. A variety of technology usage will keep students engaged and excited about their learning. This aligns with my educational philosophy to enable my students to be life-long learners.