ETEC 524 Reflection #2

After exploring the different examples of the meaning or definition of educational technology I found two organizations that I felt supported my personal vision and educational technology philosophy.  The organizations and their details are listed below:

Center for Applied Special Technology:   http://www.cast.org/

• Description: Nonprofit organization that provides educational research and developmental support and improvement to expand opportunities to learners with disabilities.
• Definition: To expand learning opportunities for all individuals by using a set of principles for curriculum development that gives all individuals equal opportunities to learn. It is a one-size-fits-all solution for creating instructional goals and materials that can be modified to fit the needs of the learner.
• Mission: "One mission, many innovations."
• Purpose: "Transforming Education through Universal Design for Learning"

I chose this organization partially because it focuses on learning with disabilities. I have a sister with Autism and I am aware of the daily challenges and obstacles that she has faced throughout her public education. My vision and philosophy focuses on how to use technology to enhance curriculum.  This organizations' focus will give a positive outlook to typical classroom inclusion.  I personally support an organization that aims it's focus to support and enhance learning of individuals with disabilities within the school system.  The members pride themselves on creating and implementing new technology software as it relates to content area.

SRI Center for Technology in Learning:     http://ctl.sri.com/

• Description: This is an organization whose policy division researches economic success by testing social, economic and technological changes. Their vision is, "to be the premier independent source of high-value innovations and solutions."
• Definition: to provide passion to make a difference, freedom to create and invent.
• Mission: "Improve learning and teaching through innovation and inquiry."
• Purpose: "Provide research to contribute to the knowledge base on effective learning and teaching, and embody research insights in the innovative design, use, and assessment of interactive learning environments."

This organization seems to elaborate on my philosophical stance.  I had the opportunity to read and review up and coming educational improvements supported by this organization. Of the few, each concentrated their efforts to use technology to enhance core curriculum such as Math, Science and Technology. Again, this directly aligns to my vision of educational technology.

Many people view educational technology differently. As an educator, I would define educational technology as any media capable of enhancing the quality of teaching and learning into curriculum as a means to not only maintain, but also improve techniques for communication and development by challenging the average classroom learner in order for the learner to be successful in today's school environment.  This definition directly states what I strive to incorporate and achieve in my classroom and aligns with my philosophy goals found in the previous posting.  Please enjoy the Wordle I created based on my views of my own definition of educational technology.