My Personal Philosophy of Education

My Personal Philosophy for using Technology in Education

If we teach our children as we were taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow” John Dewey.

As a student-teacher I personally believe that each student is unique this also means that each student learns in a different way, therefore today’s teacher has to cater to the diverse learning styles that are presented in the classroom, thus, the most suitable way to cater for all these learners is by introducing technology into the classroom. As David Warlick once quoted “We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world”. In light of this we need to keep in mind that the twenty first century learners are technology savvy, they are referred to as “Digital Natives”, as a result it will be very effective to involve technology in there learning. Having observed how technology continues to improve teaching and learning has therefore compelled me to include technology in the lessons that I will teach in the future. By involving technology such as computers, tablets, projectors, power point presentation, webquests, emails, discussion boards, social networking sites, podcasts, games and videos will allow students to be intrinsically motivated and stimulate their passion for learning. Therefore, Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development which includes the different ways for students to learn individually, with peers and with the help of teachers would be carried out. Today’s generation is immersed in the rapidly changing world of technology.  It is something they are constantly using at every moment, whether it be texting, instant messaging, e-mailing, face booking, or listening to their iPods, it is a significant part of their lives. It has become their means of communication and it is engraved in almost everything they do. What better way to teach someone than to speak in their language. Furthermore, technology in the classroom is not only necessary to engage students, but it is an essential tool for the future. Every day our lives become more deeply engrained in technology. Technology has changed or modes of communication, transportation and production. As a future educator, I will continue to increase my knowledge about technology and keep current with new innovations in order to provide the most successful learning environment for my students.  No matter what my content area is, I will integrate technology in my classroom in order to provide my students with a 21st century education. “Do not confine your children to your learning, for they were born in another time” Chinese Proverb.