EDUC 630

  The Purpose of Technology in Education      Successful undertakings begin with a vision of the desired end-state. What is the goal of a modern, public education? Once defined, then resources, including educational technology, can be applied to achieve the goal. According to the United States Department of Education, the purpose of public education is to, “promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.” (U.S. Department of Education, n.d.). Further elaboration is added by Virginia Beach City Public Schools which “in partnership with the entire community, will empower every student to become a life-long learner who is a responsible, productive and engaged citizen within the global community.” (Virginia Beach City Public Schools, n.d.).    Now knowing the end-state desired, how does educational technology support the outcome? Again, a definition is in order. Hughes ...

  Video Discussion Transcript: Differentiation Through Technology   Video Link: https://youtu.be/g99txnvL8GQ     This week’s video discussion is right on topic for where I currently am in my teaching journey. Of the approximately 120 students assigned, 1 in 5 have multiple accommodations requiring a good amount of differentiation. This makes it challenging to fully meet the Virginian Standards of Learning. I have worked intentionally within my classroom to apply differentiation according to the teachings of Tomlinson, differentiating content, process and products according to readiness, learning and content.         I have a number of tools available to help me find a way to meld technology, differentiation, and standards.  Text to speech and read-aloud accommodations are built into many apps, and many applications have content specifically aligned with our Virginia standards. However, even with the assistance of technology, I have ...

 Hello everyone. I am Ben Woodworth.  I reside with my family in Virginia Beach, VA and currently teach 7th grade social studies for Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Prior to teaching, I was an officer in the Marine Corps for 25 years. My wife and I have been together for over twenty years and have three children, two in college and one in middle school, and all are at home! They keep us on our toes and happily entertained.  My wife is a pastor at a local Methodist church and is also enrolled full-time in divinity school at Duke. So, we are a school focused family right now.  In my school district, we are 1:1 technology.  Although not paperless, most assignments are digital.  I have experience with Schoology and switched this year to Canvas for our LMS. I make extensive use of the collaboration, assessment and organizational features built into Canvas, and unlike Schoology, Canvas gradebook synchs with our SIS, Synergy! That is a timesaver. External apps...