EDUC 630 Philosophy of Instructional Technology – Lisa Joyner
Purpose of Technology in Education
Lisa H. Joyner
Department of Education, Liberty University
EDUC 630: Technology Practices for Instructional Improvement
Dr. Juanessa Booker
January 31, 2021
Author Note
Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to Lisa H. Joyner, Department of Christian Education, Veritas Baptist College, 181 US Hwy 50 E #204, Greendale, IL 47205, United States. Email: lisajoyner@vbc.edu or ljoyner4@liberty.edu.
Purpose of Technology in Education
Technology is uniquely suited to meet the educational needs of today’s students. According to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), “The seven student standards emphasize learners as (1) empowered learners, (2) digital citizens, (3) knowledge constructors, (4) innovative designers, (5) computational thinkers, (6) creative communicators, and (7) global collaborators” (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019). For the past few decades, classroom teachers have supplemented their lessons with multi-media, simulations, games, and drill-and-practice tools; those who are adept at the use of instructional technology tools provide their students with access to experiences that formerly were unimaginable. “Today’s students can experience simulations of environments and events that they never could in regular classes, receive instruction from and communicate with others at long distances, and interact with large knowledge bases and expert tutoring systems” (Schunk, 2016, p. 277).
When in-person instruction is not possible, modern tools of technology go beyond merely supplementing and become the primary means for students to continue learning through computer-based instruction. Continual professional development is imperative for teachers to stay informed and proficient in the use of new tools as they become available in order to use current educational technology effectively.
When technology is correctly incorporated and used for a specific purpose that is related to the goals of the school, it has proven to have a positive impact on metacognition, problem solving, and deep processing (Schunk, 2016). In addition, the adaptability of technology allows it to create pedagogical programs tailored to the individual needs of students. “Technology ushers in fundamental structural changes that can be integral to achieving significant improvements in productivity. Used to support both teaching and learning, technology infuses classrooms with digital learning tools, such as computers and hand held devices; expands course offerings, experiences, and learning materials; supports learning 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; builds 21st century skills; increases student engagement and motivation; and accelerates learning” (Use of technology in teaching and learning, n.d.).
Biblical Perspective of Instructional Technology
Modern learning theories of epistemology encourage the notion that learners should “create” or “construct” their own versions of truth. “The construction of knowledge inevitably leads to agnosticism at best or atheism at worst” (Braley, 2003, p. 14). Old Testament prophet Jeremiah warned, “The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked…” and cannot be trusted (Jeremiah 17:9, KJV). As a Christian educator, I believe that God is the author of all truth (John 1:14, John 17:17, and Psalm 119:160). I have a responsibility to teach my students how and where to seek absolute truth about every topic, whether spiritual or academic. In Psalm 86:11, David asked God, “Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” Technology, like every other instructional strategy, should be used to guide the student to discover truth and help him discern what is not true.
Personal Position on Instructional Technology
During His earthly ministry, Jesus used a variety of instructional methods. His use of strategies that met the individual needs of the learners and their circumstances encourages me to do the same. The use of technology is not a moral issue; technology is a merely a useful instructional tool that can be harnessed for good or evil. Teaching songs to help children learn the multiplication tables or mnemonics to remember the Great Lakes are examples of instructional tools that when used appropriately are very effective, but no one would consider those methods to be controversial; I do not believe that technology should be considered controversial either.
In my position as an online instructor, I rely on technology for delivering content, communicating with students and colleagues, and assessing students’ products. I am responsible for choosing technology and applying it appropriately to each course. I prefer to blend teacher- and student-directed instruction in my classes. I record weekly lectures to explain assignments, review lesson content, and provide feedback on written work and projects. My goal is not to mimic every aspect of the classroom environment in my online courses, but rather to give opportunities for discussion and collaboration that encourage personal connections between students.
I like to assign projects that include student choice which allow them to create projects that I could never have described in a too-structured rubric. Today’s students have unlimited choices for showing off their learning and inspiring creativity. I have been very surprised by the quality and creativity that my students have displayed with their proficiency with tools that I have only a shallow knowledge of.
Technology will surely play a prominent role in our students’ future as well as their present – not only in their careers but also in their community, ministry, and personal lives. The following quote by David Warlick sums up our obligation to our students regarding the inclusion of educational technology in our schools. “We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world” (Gupta, 2015).
References
Gupta, P. (2015, September 14). 20 popular technology in education quotes. EdTech Review. https://edtechreview.in/news/2112-technology-in-education-quotes.
Roblyer, M. D., & Hughes, J. E. (2019). Integrating educational technology into teaching: Transforming learning across disciplines. Pearson Education, Inc.
Schunk, D. (2016). Learning theories: An educational perspective. Pearson.
Use of technology in teaching and learning. US Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/oii-news/use-technology-teaching-and-learning#:~:text=Used%20to%20support%20both%20teaching,skills%3B%20increases%20student%20engagement%20and.
Van Brummelen, H. (2009). Walking with God in the classroom: Christian approaches to learning and teaching. Purposeful Design Publications.