Develops a personal vision of inclusive educational practice

Describes the relationship between Educational Technology and the broader field of Education

Artifact: EDCI 51300 – Initial and revised Ed Tech definitions

In October 2013, I reflected on my initial definition and wrote the following:

“My basic definition of Educational Technology remains the same: Educational technology provides the tools, whatever they may be, that allow a student to learn and create without unnecessary obstacles. My definition has not changed, but expanded. Because of our studies, I can see that Educational Technology is not just the devices or microphones or cameras, but the design process that eliminates obstacles to learning.”

Critically evaluates theory and practice

Artifact: EDCI 51300 – Initial and revised Ed Tech definitions

This program has challenged my perspective. My initial and revised definitions focused on learning, but now I am discovering the importance of a bigger goal. We do not learn just for the sake of learning; rather, we learn so that we can accomplish something. In several classes, we have discussed the pitfalls that arise when a client just wants an x-hour training without a thorough analysis, specific objectives, and useful evaluations. Educational Technology requires us to look at the end goals, know our learners, and find the best way to bring the learners to those goals. The broader field of Education is the means to convey the learners from their current position to the point where they are meeting the objectives. As I learn more about the practice of ID in adult learning, I expect my definition of Educational Technology to become more precise.

Develops a personal vision of inclusive educational practice

Artifacts: EDCI 588 – Motivation Theory Analysis and Motivation Evaluation Form

One of my many opportunities to evaluate theory and practice came during EDCI 577, Motivation. For this project, I analyzed theories that could apply in middle school classrooms. My theory analysis provided the foundation for my Motivation Evaluation Form for Middle School Curriculum, which I used to evaluate a new instructional program for teaching English Learners. The evaluation resulted in program changes that I implemented in my English Language Development class.