VISION STATEMENT

The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don't really even notice it, so it's part of everyday life. Bill Gates This quote by Bill Gates stands as the foundation for the justification of integrating technology into the classroom. In order for one to understand the important role that technology will play, and has already begun to play in the world of education, one must first understand the definition of technology. The most widely accepted definition of technology is, the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. (Oxford, 2014) This definition would imply that the tools that we refer to as technology are in fact tools for the application of knowledge. The pen was at one point in history a newly developed and revolutionary tool for the application of scientific knowledge and it served a practical purpose; therefore, the pen is technology. According to the Standards for Educational Literacy, Humans have been called the animals that make things, and at no time in history has that been so apparent as the present. Today, every human activity is dependent upon various tools, machines, and systems, from growing food and providing shelter to communication, healthcare, and entertainment. These tools and the knowledge to apply them are technology (International Technology Education Association, 2007). Why, one might ask, do we need technology in the classroom? Martin Luther King Jr., once said It seems to me that education has a two-fold function to perform in the life of man and in society: the one is utility and the other is culture. Education must enable a man to become more efficient, to achieve with increasing facility the legitimate goals of his life. (King, 1948) If the goal of education is thus, then it seems abundantly clear that one must be prepared to enter society as a productive member. Where in todays society can one go, and not possess moderate

VISION STATEMENT

to exemplary technology skills? In order to teach students to be productive members of society they must possess the skills required, and the use of technology is one such skill. It is too late to turn back the hands of time and stop progress; technology is a part of our world, and children must be comfortable using technology as an everyday part of life. With the growing importance of technology to our society, it is vital that students receive an education that emphasizes technological literacy (International Technology Education Association, 2007). It seems evident that educating children on the use of technology is important, but beyond just educating children about how to use technology tools, teachers have the ability and responsibility to use technology tools to teach children a multitude of other subjects and skills. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, a national organization advocating for 21st century readiness for every student, explains that the traditional three Rs, are no longer sufficient; they must be fused with four Cs: critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration.As students develop the four Cs, we have discovered that effective application of these vital skills in a technology-infused life and workplace requires acquiring them in a technology-infused learning environment. This environment calls for two elements: We must increasingly put technology into the hands of students and must trust them with more progressive technology use. (Blair, 2012) Instead of focusing on specific subjects, technology focuses on skills that will aide learners in all areas of their lives. Many of todays leading jobs did not exist 10-20 years ago; therefore, it seems logical that many of the jobs todays children will seek out do not exist today. By teaching students to utilize the tools they have available to maximize their efficiency and effectiveness, teachers are providing students with the skills they need to be successful in any industry.

VISION STATEMENT

Technology is everywhere, from cell phones to computers; the virtual world has come to live in our world. It is time to embrace technology and to harness it for its intended purpose. Technology is a tool, and like all tools one must be taught to utilize it effectively. When used effectively, technology can open doors, save money and time, and aide in the processing and application of information on a global scale. Having technology in the classrooms isnt a question; it is an imperative. Everyone from Obama to the tabloid news reporters are talking about the widening socio-economic gap, and educational technology plays a crucial role in the future state of that gap. Major Owens said, We can close the gap and improve what happens in the classroom by using educational technology that is the same high quality everywhere. Technology is a tool used for the application of knowledge; why not provide learners with every tool available?

Works Cited
Blair, N. (2012, Jan/Feb). Technology integration for the new 21st century learner. Retrieved January 29, 2014, from National association of Elementary School Principals: http://www.naesp.org/principal-januaryfebruary-2012-technology/technology-integration-new21st-century-learner International Technology Education Association. (2007). Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology. Retrieved January 30, 2014, from ITEA: http://www.iteaconnect.org/TAA/PDFs/xstnd.pdf King, J. M. (1948). The purpose of education. Retrieved January 29, 2014, from The Seattle Times: http://seattletimes.com/special/mlk/king/education.html Oxford. (2014, January 13). Technology. Retrieved January 30, 2014, from Oxford Dictionary: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/technology