1-23-2012 Blog Posting

Texas Computer Educator Association (TCEA) http://www.tcea.org/

“The Texas Computer Education Association is the largest state organization devoted to the use of technology in education. Founded in 1980, the organization has been very active throughout its history supporting instructional technology. Our primary focus is on integrating technology into the PreK-12 environment and providing our members with state-of-the-art information through conferences, workshops, newsletters, the Internet, and collaborations with higher education and business.” From http://www.tcea.org/

I share information about TECA because this is a Texas organization that supports effective uses of technology in classrooms for instruction purposes. Texas teachers can attend sessions that demonstrate technology that can be used in their classrooms.  The mission of TECA supports my developing technology philosophy, also.

Center for Children and Technology (CCT)  http://cct.edc.org/

“We investigate how technology can influence and enhance teaching and learning by conducting basic, applied, formative, and summative research using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methodologies.”  From http://cct.edc.org/

I searched through many websites until I could decide on a second technology organization to share on my ETEC 524 blog. I am not sure that everyone will connect with this organization, but if you are interested in research to support technology use for academic gains this may have some useful information for you. The website was flashy and you have to search for the important information, but well worth you efforts here.

In my position, as an assistant professor, I enjoy reading how research projects are built around technology use in the classroom. This supports my educational technology philosophy because I am searching for meaningful uses of technology not superficial uses---here today---gone tomorrow.

Today, Educational Technology according to Merry Boggs is technology that that can be integrated into four main classroom areas: classroom management, instructional delivery, student practice, and teach professional development. Technology can be used to manage students through connecting to students, playing games for transitional periods. Technology that supports student’s learning whether through meaningful practice or motivates students to learn.  Additionally, educational technology includes teachers’ uses of technology to present instructional lessons.  More importantly, teachers can stay current through professional development activities and meeting teacher throughout the world.