My philosophy of education is that meaningful learning and cross- curricular knowledge should

be provided to all students of all learning levels through technology and strong foundational concepts.
Students learn on an individual basis, and curriculum must be developed that challenges and increases
their learning skills that will prepare them for their post-secondary plans. School districts must provide
their teachers and students with a secure environment while providing any materials necessary for
children to learn.

Educators today face many challenges regarding their students. Students today require more
than lecture and paperwork to succeed. Technical, vocational and academic subjects need to show how
many courses are inter-disciplinary and how each enhances the other. Students are more willing to
acquire and use knowledge when they see the usability of it. Teachers today take on the role more of
facilitators by guiding their students to explore different medias which assist them in finding the
answers they seek. Engaging students is providing them with authentic real-life experiences in order for
them to make meaningful connections.

For many years as a student I struggled with understanding math concepts when they were first
presented. Most of my teachers gave me only one method and one way to solve problems. In my senior
year of high school my pre-calculus teacher stated it doesn't matter how you get to the answer as long
as you get to the correct one. She then provided us with different ways to solve mathematical problems
and my understanding of math improved dramatically. I strongly agree with her philosophy because she
empowered me to find my own learning path. She gave me the knowledge to understand and apply
what I was learning as being more important than simply trying to answer questions on an objective
exam. I didn't realize until taking this course that she was using a constructivist learning approach.

My elementary students are sophisticated learners and like how technology provides different
ways to increase their knowledge base. Students today can be motivated to learn if they feel they are
not simply obtaining rote knowledge. For example, in my multiage classroom I had one student who was
working on an iPad on phonics, another student was working with me on spelling, another student was
doing writing exercises using common words in the spelling lesson, and a fourth student was reading a
selection that had a certain set of words that I wanted all of them to grasp. I then could rotate stations
so that all forms of media and technology were being utilized by all.

It was always my goal in teaching elementary students that they have a love of learning and to
be excited about school in general. I have to stay current in the ever evolving technology field to ensure
I am providing my students with the tools for lifelong learning. You have to have a positive learning
environment using technology and any other resources you can find in order for students to feel
successful and confident that they just always need to try their best. Using appropriate technology that
has been proven and will continue to be sustainable is my own challenge which I don't take lightly.