Week Two Assignment Part 2.2 5370

A Forward Vision for Technology in Education

As a future education worker, I do believe that I need to stay abreast of the latest technology innovations to keep current. Knowing what are the up and coming technology trends is very important. The 2011 Horizon Report: K-12 Edition discusses the technology that has the most impact right now and will advance quickly in education. This report covers cloud computing, game based learning, mobiles, open content, learning analytics and personal learning environments (Johnson, Adams, & Haywood, The NMC horizon report: 2011 K-12 edition, 2011). These technologies are meeting expectations from parents and educators as the value of creativity is increasing as a means for our nation to stay ahead of India and China in our economy (Pink, 2006). In addition, as the cost of education rises, these technologies provide ways to meet individual learning needs, which include independent study, distance learning, and mentoring relationships (Johnson, Smith, Levine, & Haywood, 2010).

In my desire to fulfill my position goals, as a student working on an online master’s degree, I learned about professional development committees through our varied projects requiring collaboration and collective learning. I also partcipated in the webinar introducing professional learning communities on the Texas Virtual Network. In addition, part of my field based activities included participating in a Verizon Thinkfinity class and joining the included professional learning community. I now understand the dynamics and requirements for distance learning and the need for independent study skills. With many distractions in our lives, family and children, volunteer work and jobs; it is difficult to finish an advanced degree – especially one you complete in your home.

As a educational leader in technology, I hope that I can motivate students through the use of technology in new ways. “The NMC Horizon Report: 2011 K-12 Edition examines emerging technologies for their potential impact on and use in teaching, learning, and creative expression within the environment of pre-college education” (Johnson, Adams, & Haywood, The NMC horizon report: 2011 K-12 edition, 2011, p. 3). I believe this creative expression will be the key ingredient to helping students stay motivated in pursuing further education. Allowing for creative use of technology in the classroom allows for balance and diversification to meet the needs of different kinds of learners.

I participate in mentoring programs and hope to continue in this role. I see a need for mentors to help students navigate the waters of the information sea on the internet. “Sense-making and the ability to assess the credibility of information are paramount” (Johnson, Adams, & Haywood, The NMC horizon report: 2011 K-12 edition, 2011, p. 4)and because of this, “mentoring and preparing students for the world in which they will live is again at the forefront” (Johnson, Adams, & Haywood, The NMC horizon report: 2011 K-12 edition, 2011, p. 4). Helping to create balanced, well-rounded students with a good dose of common sense is the role of a mentor.

By participating in this program, I have been able to fulfill my desire to become more up-to-date in my technology knowledge. I see the classroom of the future as one where students learn wherever and whenever they want. This is something my laptop and I have experienced. I agree with the Horizon Report when it says the mobile students often believe that faster is better (Johnson, Adams, & Haywood, The NMC horizon report: 2011 K-12 edition, 2011).

I plan to take advantage of the open content available on the internet for my students as I move back into the education field. What a wonderful way to motivate students! Learning in depth about topics of great interest allows students to pursue their dreams and test out new ideas for their future.

Works Cited:

Johnson, L., Adams, S., & Haywood, K. (2011). The NMC horizon report: 2011 K-12 edition. Austin: The New Media Consortium.

Johnson, L., Smith, R., Levine, A., & Haywood, K. (2010). 2010 Horizon report: k-12 edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.

Pink, D. (2006). A whole new mind: Why rightbrainers will rule the world. New York, NY: Riverhead Trade (Paperbacks).