Educational Philosophy
Have you ever heard of the Red Umbrella? Well, let me tell you about it. There is so many aspects of education/teaching: grades, homework, technology, assessment, classroom management, differentiation, projects, motivation, engagement, skills, standards, etc. The list is a very lengthy one. So how do we organize or make sense of all this? That is where the Red Umbrella comes in. True, there are many important aspects of education, but they all fall under one mighty aspect: Relationships. It is the relationships teachers build with students that is the most important. It is through these relationships that lives are truly impacted, where learning takes place at the highest of levels, where change occurs. It is through relationships that everything else improves. Yes, this component of my portfolio is supposed to be geared toward my philosophy of technology in education, but I can not talk about my philosophy without addressing what I believe to be the most important thing teachers can do, no matter the age or level.
I believe the use of technology can be a huge piece to building positive relationships, especially in our world today. Students are digital natives and if we meet them where they are at with technology, we can build far stronger relationships than we can if we just ignore that part of their life. Through technology, we can engage them, excite them, push them, and educate them. I believe we can do that far better with technology in their hands. However, technology by itself does not automatically create a positive impact on a classroom full of students. It is when the technology is used in a way that creates a more effective and efficient learning environment, a more quality one. It is when technology is used in a way that lets students do things where otherwise they wouldn't be able to.
My philosophy on technology in education has galvanized through this Master's program. I have learned that the message of technology in education must be crystal clear, and that is to keep the focus on the learning, not the technology. We need to ask questions like, "How can technology improve the learning?" Rather than, "What cool tool should I use today?" The use of technology must be done in a way that improves the learning, not just a substitute for paper and pencil. The use of technology must be done in a way that students are able to create, discover, and grow, not simply be a babysitter or time filler or pacifier.
Technology can provide opportunity, where otherwise, opportunity wouldn't exist, like with distance education and giving people the chance to get educated. I also believe that in order for the high quality use and effectiveness of technology in education, there needs to be leaders in this area. Leaders who have the right mindset and skills to move teachers and students forward in the right direction.
I am excited going forward from this program to do great things for students and teachers alike with the use of technology in education.
Have you ever heard of the Red Umbrella? Well, let me tell you about it. There is so many aspects of education/teaching: grades, homework, technology, assessment, classroom management, differentiation, projects, motivation, engagement, skills, standards, etc. The list is a very lengthy one. So how do we organize or make sense of all this? That is where the Red Umbrella comes in. True, there are many important aspects of education, but they all fall under one mighty aspect: Relationships. It is the relationships teachers build with students that is the most important. It is through these relationships that lives are truly impacted, where learning takes place at the highest of levels, where change occurs. It is through relationships that everything else improves. Yes, this component of my portfolio is supposed to be geared toward my philosophy of technology in education, but I can not talk about my philosophy without addressing what I believe to be the most important thing teachers can do, no matter the age or level.
I believe the use of technology can be a huge piece to building positive relationships, especially in our world today. Students are digital natives and if we meet them where they are at with technology, we can build far stronger relationships than we can if we just ignore that part of their life. Through technology, we can engage them, excite them, push them, and educate them. I believe we can do that far better with technology in their hands. However, technology by itself does not automatically create a positive impact on a classroom full of students. It is when the technology is used in a way that creates a more effective and efficient learning environment, a more quality one. It is when technology is used in a way that lets students do things where otherwise they wouldn't be able to.
My philosophy on technology in education has galvanized through this Master's program. I have learned that the message of technology in education must be crystal clear, and that is to keep the focus on the learning, not the technology. We need to ask questions like, "How can technology improve the learning?" Rather than, "What cool tool should I use today?" The use of technology must be done in a way that improves the learning, not just a substitute for paper and pencil. The use of technology must be done in a way that students are able to create, discover, and grow, not simply be a babysitter or time filler or pacifier.
Technology can provide opportunity, where otherwise, opportunity wouldn't exist, like with distance education and giving people the chance to get educated. I also believe that in order for the high quality use and effectiveness of technology in education, there needs to be leaders in this area. Leaders who have the right mindset and skills to move teachers and students forward in the right direction.
I am excited going forward from this program to do great things for students and teachers alike with the use of technology in education.
Contact Dan Klumper
605-376-6612 | D[email protected] | Twitter: @danklumper | Professional Educational Portfolio
605-376-6612 | D[email protected] | Twitter: @danklumper | Professional Educational Portfolio