Program Learning Outcome 8

Demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions regarding the use of technology in support of learning and leadership. As the instructor it is crucial that we develop students' critical thinking skills to help them decipher the outpouring of information available to them and use this information to guide them in their opinion-forming and decision-making processes.






SUPPORTING LEARNING AND LEADERSHIP WITH TECHNOLOGY

Decisions Regarding the use of Technology in Support of Learning and Leadership

Dianza Zackery

Ashford University

Capstone-EDU 697

June 24, 2014

Instructor Lawrence

               Decisions Regarding the use of Technology in Support of Learning and Leadership

Today’s emerging generations have adequate role models and technologies that balance online and offline learning activities. In the 21^st Century a majority of the leaders are setting the examples in which they have integrated technology to enhance learning and incorporating technology into their curriculum that brings enjoyment, learning, skills and diversity among learners that may gear towards their individual learning styles. These methods are extremely healthy to the emerging generation and still leading the classroom with traditional methods of learning which shows a healthy technology balance.  Technology allows you to explore and research. Today’s educators should encourage continuous learning and mastering. As technology evolves so must the adaption and use of it and a commitment to always being a student of technology and finding ways to use it and not get used by it. The use of technology can assist leaders with communication in their communities, collaborations, and foster an environment of trust, learning and research.

Discussion

Many classrooms are integrating more technology into their classrooms which can aid student engagement and spark their interest to try new things.  Technology not only can increase student performance, skill and interest but also allows educators and administrators a way to share ideas that can be beneficial for the growth and caters to the learning style of each student.  Technology gives us the ability to be creative and collaborative in a way we have never been used before.  New forms of technology-based learning such as:  Wikis, Email, Blogs, Presentations and Social Media sites can be used.  Technology can be a great asset for teachers, students and parents communicating and updating student’s grades, performance and behavior in school.   The instructional design project I chose to redesign is from Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology EDU 655 which is entitled: The Next Frontier which illustrates the effects of how technology can enhance instruction when it’s personalized to fit the student’s individual needs and how assessments are effective tools for learning.

The Next Frontier
Current System	Personalized System
One learning style fits all	Assessments before, during and after will lead to individualized instructional design plan
Teacher center Based	Student Center Based
Instruction for location is school based inside classroom	Learning can be assessed in/outside of school using mobile technology, museums, field trips, etc.
Instruction is presented as is (no change is made)	Instruction is geared towards learners goals, desires and interests
Use formal learning style	Uses more of an informal style
Learners objectives are what instructor expects	Learners objectives are based on skill and knowledge, goals and autonomous insight
Learners use pencil and paper	Learners use technology and mobile devices
Depends upon instructors review	Peer review

Re-Design

            Incorporate formal and Informal learning into the instruction design: The current educational system is based mostly on formal learning, with content deriving from a planned, structured learning environment and may be more teachers centered. Materials are presented in a traditional classroom setting, including lectures, required readings, writing, using textbooks scheduled assessments. Informal learning offers more flexibility in the ways knowledge is presented and acquired by using technology, software, mobile devices and accessing knowledge and skill outside of the classroom.  Most informal learning is student centered.  According to DeLorenzo, “We give kids the road map; they figure out how they learn best (reinventing schools coalition).” Figuring out how learners best permitting them to process the information in manners they understand and can access easier and ensure reliable access to technology (Cournoyer, 2012).

 Technology is vital for personalized learning to reach students on a broader scale and the connection that learners have with the world and other learners is needed wherever learning  takes place, whether it is in the home, school or a public place, by using instructional applications such as broadband connections, and related resources.  Learning can take place using mobile devices such as laptops, I Pads, cell phones and so much more.  In order for technology to be properly used in an educational setting,  proper training for the teachers and the allotted budget for technology is needed for this type of teaching and learning program (Wolf, 2010). Using technology and Web 2.0 tools will not only improve communication among students, but increase connections with the world. Leaders and educators must stay current and continue to increase their knowledge, sharpen their skills and broaden their minds in order to establish a foundation for success and learning for their students.

The Challenge

            In order to make sure these tools are exuding learning students must be continually assessed.  Instructors need make sure that they are using programs that focus on the specific needs of the learner.  Another challenge is budget.  Purchasing this software and using certain tools make not be able to be purchased.  Finding alternative methods may be a challenge.  The students also, may not have access to these tools at home. 

                                                              References

Cournoyer, B. (2012). Informal vs. Formal Learning: What's the Difference? Retrieved from

http://www.brainshark.com/ideas-blog/brainshark-articles/2012/February/Informal-vs-Formal-Learning-Difference.aspx.

Wolf, M. A. (2010). Innovate to Educate: System [Re]Design for Personalized Learning - A

Report from the 2010 Symposium. Retrieved from http://www.siia.net/pli/presentations/PerLearnPaper.pdf.