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Reflection

Education Technology (also known as EdTech) according to Lazaro (2017), refers to an

area of technology devoted to the development and application of tools (including software,

hardware, and processes) intended to promote education. The course aims to help me refine,

redefine, and reshape my perspectives and views of technology as they relate to my future career,

society, teaching, learning, and training. I believe that it is designed to increase your basic

awareness of technology concepts and to provide experiences that facilitate individual thinking.

When I just heard about this course, I was really excited since in high school I was so addicted to

computer courses. These included Information Technology (IT) And Electronic Document

Preparation and Management (EDPM). As a result of my interest I had very high expectations of

my lectures and the nature of the course; likewise, I was certainly looking forward to applying

what I have learnt or what I have acquired and to garner new skills and knowledge. Fortunately,

all my expectations were met. I am better prepared for teaching in this 21st century world which

is technologically driven. Now, I can say that I am more advanced in my presentation of

information. With all the skills that I have acquired, I am now able to diversify my opinions and

approaches to the teaching and learning process.

Additionally, this course "Education Technology" is different from all the other courses

that I have been introduced to since I have started my studies and the tertiary level. As the name

suggests also that it is mostly technologically based which is why I am fascinated by it.

Education Technology is a path that equip student-teachers like myself with the necessary skills

that will be needed to enable us to transform learning and teaching though the use of

technological applications. Furthermore, these applications can be computer based or web-

based. Computer-based tool is a new-age method of teaching and learning; furthermore, is a form

of education in which students learn by using special training programs while on a computer
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(CommLab, 2017). However, web-based tool according to Nicolas (2012) , is that which is a

subset of computer-based tools in which the material is made accessible on the internet by

applying web technologies.

After we have explored the never ending technological opinions that can be used enhance

the teaching, while at the same time prepare the students for the "real world"; I was blown away.

I have also realized that the time for major change in education is now. Moreover, with the

constant advancement in technology; it is vital that we as teachers be ready to educate in fine

style. I am also really grateful for all that I have acquired in this course. I must say that in a

world where rapid advances in technology have a profound impact on the ways we work,

communicate and live, education has struggled to keep pace. However, it will improve if we

faint not to apply what we as teachers in training have learnt.

We were also introduced to the ISTE standards. The ISTE Standards work together to

support educators, students and leaders with clear guidelines for the skills and knowledge

necessary to move away from the factory model, (International Society for Technology in

Education, 2017 ). I have also learnt that the ISTE Standards provide an outline for

reconsideration in education, adapting to a constantly changing technological landscape and

preparing students to enter an increasingly global economy.

According to ISTE (2015), this new approach is inspired by ISTE standards. It also

involves empowering students to become lifelong learners and providing them with the skills to

face future challenges resourcefully and creatively. It is not about using digital tools to support

outdated education strategies and models; it is about tapping into technologys potential to

amplify human capacity for collaboration, creativity and communication. In laymans term it is

about leveling the playing field and providing young people worldwide with equitable access to
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powerful learning opportunities. The effectiveness of the ISTE standards despite its many

benefits depend on the teachers and the students, (Clint ISD, 2016).

ISTE (2015) believes that, "the ISTE STANDARDS FOR Students are at the center of

everything we do. Our foremost goal is to prepare them for their future. The student standards

describe the skills and knowledge they need to thrive, grow and contribute in a global,

interconnected and constantly changing society." The ISTE STANDARDS FOR Teachers have

always held the key to student success. But their role is changing. The ISTE Standards for

Teachers define the digital age skills and pedagogical insights educators need to teach, work and

learn.

How do I know that I have grown?

Well, during my second year teaching episode that lasted for two weeks, I was able to

make a recoding for my students, create game (jeopardy and multiple choice) using Microsoft

PowerPoint create test and worksheets using Microsoft Words. The only disadvantage was that

we were not able to use any web-based applications since there was only internet in the staff, the

two computer labs were always in use and even if they were not, they would have been too

small (considering that I have a class with 39 and another with 41 students. However, with the

little that I was able to produce (i.e. Material) the students were existed lesson and they seemed

interested.
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References

Clint ISD (2016). ISTE Standards for Teachers. Retrieved from:

www.clintweb.net/staff/instructional_technology.../i_s_t_e_standards_for_teachers
CommLab (2017). Computer Based Training and Web Based Training: Definition and

Benefits! Retrieved from: https://www.commlabindia.com/resources/article/cbt-wbt.php

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), (2017). Education technology

standards to transform learning and teaching. Retrieved from:

https://www.iste.org/standards/standards

ISTE (2015). ISTE Standards. Retrieved from:

https://isteconference.org/2015/program/iste_standards.php

Lazaro, H (2017). What Is EdTech And Why Should It Matter To You? Retrieved from:

https://generalassemb.ly/blog/what-is-edtech/

Nicolas, G. (2012). ThioFinder: A Web-Based Tool for the Identification of Thiopeptide

Gene Clusters in DNA Sequences. Retrieved from:

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0045878