Technology Vision 1

Technology Vision

Aimee Mancil

Kennesaw State University

Summer 2014









Technology Vision 2

The influence of technology is in nearly every aspect of our global society. The
dependence on technology is intensifying every day. In schools worldwide, teachers,
administrators, parents, and community representatives are working persistently to find
innovative ways to supply 21
st
century learners with the most effective and current technology.
All stakeholders must join together to work toward a common vision of technology usage in
education in order to prepare students to succeed in the 21
st
century.
Technology in schools is visible in schools today. Schools have access to various devices,
software, and resources that has the ability to effectively enhance learning experiences.
Extending the usage of these technology devices to enhance student centered learning is
fundamental. The capability to bring worldwide experiences into the classroom through
technology provides students to form an authentic knowledge base through experiences that
could not be implemented under other conditions. Through these experiences, students will be
immersed in authentic, student-centered learning. Technology has the capability to assist in
building relationships and collaboration worldwide. The capabilities and opportunities for
technology based resources are limitless. Utilizing their potential to reform classrooms is a
process that should start now in each classroom around the world.
Research advises that the accessibility of technology resources in schools encourages the
use of collaborative learning, problem based learning, and a utilization of various educational
resources in addition to improving creativity (Rakes, 1999). Technology literacy is a
fundamental and integral component of the educational system. We must shift our focus on how
this will occur. It is essential that we determine how all stakeholders will contribute to the
process and development of highly prepared students that are qualified to succeed in the 21
st

Century. The recognition of this vision will take place when the following principles are met:
Technology Vision 3

All teachers will utilize a variation of technology resources to promote, complement, and
enhance rigorous learning experiences that inspire personal analysis, and allow students
to create knowledge, solve problems, and utilize critical thinking skills in a variety of
content areas.
Technology will be frequently used to promote local, national, and global
communications for collaboration and educational experiences between students,
teachers, family members and community members.
Administrators and teachers will frequently use technology to gather, examine, interpret,
and share student learning data,
Technology resources are available to all stakeholders. Students, teachers, school staff,
family members, community members, etc. will have access to these resources.
Continuous support and training is available to all stakeholders. Professional
development will extend to prepare and train family and community members to take
advantage of these resources.
Different levels of technology leaders are available in each school: Technical Support,
Teacher Leaders and Technology Coaches.
Ongoing, long term research is administered to assess the impact and significance of
technology on all stakeholders.
Accomplishing this vision will require the investment of all stakeholders working together
toward a common goal. When this vision is accomplished, an outsider would see students
engaged in authentic learning experiences that is student centered, differentiated and promotes
the development of student knowledge. Students will be sharing their learning and experiences
with students across the world through technology based communications.
Technology Vision 4

Teachers will be engaged in relevant professional learning experiences that increase their
use of technology across the curriculum. School leaders will continuously support teachers in the
implementation of technology in their classrooms. Teachers will collaborate with others within
their school, district, state or nation on the best practices for adding technology into content
areas. Parents and family members are involved in a variety of relevant workshops designed to
increase their ability to help their children to be more successful in school using technology
resources.
Ongoing and diverse research is an integral party of this vision. Qualitative and Quantitative
data will show how the integration of technology influences student achievement, attitudes, and
beliefs is essential for the constant assessment of practices. This vision will establish highly
motivated and successful students that will succeed in this global technology society. Research
implies that the role of technology in education is necessary for an authentic learning experience
created for the 21
st
century learners.
The Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET) states that
technology enhances performance when used in an atmosphere where teachers, the school
community, and school and district administrators support the use of technology. School, state
and district leaders need to pull together all stakeholders to work collectively to attain the vision
of authentic technology integration.




Technology Vision 5

References

Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology. (2005). Retrieved June 16. 2014,
from http://caret.iste.org/

Rakes, G.C., Flowers, B.F., Casey, H.B., & Santana, R. (1999). An Analysis of Instructional
Technology Use and Constructivist Behaviors in K-12 Teachers. International Journal of
Educational Technology, 1(2).