1. KIA L. DOUGLAS

2. TECHNOLOGY CHANGES EVERYTHING TECHNOLOGY CHANGES EVERYTHING Our textbook states that we will advance the perspective in the form that technology changes everything in that it has the potential to extend human abilities. Technology can be used as a performance support tool, make us more efficient and effective, and it also offers us the possibility for choice. Technology and the changes that come with what we call the “Information Age” afford us so many more options for communicating, teaching, and learning than ever before. In this assignment, technology allows us to explore how to harness the power of technology to engage students in ways that promote a student’s highest potential of academic achievement (Edyburn, 2013).

3. CAN TECHNOLOGY CHANGE EDUCATION? Not only is technology changing in the United States, but it is changing in other countries. For example, in Turkey as was viewed in the video “Firefly Mobile Learning Bus in Turkey”. A foundation was founded in 1995 with the aim of “supporting basic education that focused on providing children with the best educational opportunities. The foundation members consisted of educational volunteers that called themselves, The Educational Volunteers of Turkey (TEGV). This group of volunteers were responsible for creating and implementing educational programs and extra-curricular activities for children ages 6 – 14. The activities allowed children to gain skills, knowledge, and attitudes that supported their development in the Firefly Mobile Learning Units.

4. HOW IS TECHNOLOGY CHANGING IN THE CLASSROOMS ? Education now extends beyond the walls of the classroom The textbook is becoming extinct There is a change in student and teacher roles Classrooms are becoming more collaborative Technology in the classroom allows teachers to deliver more personalized learning.

5. EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY How has evolution of technology impacted teaching and learning? Hooker, 2014 TECHNOLOGY IS A CENTRAL PART OF OUR EVERYDAY LIVES NOW, SO OF COURSE IT SHOULD BE A KEY ASPECT TO EDUCATION IN ORDER TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE REAL WORLD AND THEIR FUTURE CAREERS WHERE THEY WILL MOST LIKELY BE USING MOBILE DEVICES. TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM IS CHANGING EDUCATION AS WE SPEAK. WITH TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM THE TRADITIONAL STUDENT AND TEACHER ROLES HAVE CHANGED. THE STUDENT HAS BECOME A LOT MORE ACTIVE AND ENGAGED. RATHER THAN JUST THE TEACHER RELAYING INFORMATION WHILE THE STUDENT ABSORBS AND REGURGITATES, THE TEACHER HAS BECOME MORE OF A FACILITATOR THAN JUST A DISPENSER OF INFORMATION.

6. HOW CAN THE USE OF DIGITAL AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY BE USED TO SUPPORT DIVERSE LEARNERS ? (Inclusive Learning Environment) Communicating ideas using simple phrases Demonstrating understanding of vocabulary by using specific vocabulary in context Practicing social courtesies such as taking turns Making decisions (ownership) Improving Communication Skills Using 2 Touch Interactive Whiteboards The use of these digital and assistive methods of technology allows non- verbal, high needs students to make choices by pressing a head- switch. These activities include choosing a favorite food from the choice of two different food items or choosing a favorite toy from several toys in a toy box. Using “Switch It Maker 2” and “Choose It Maker 2” Technology for the visually impaired is no different than technology for other students says, Sally Barrett, principal, Wadestown School. She states that it is a fundamental part of the learning process and teachers and students should be able to celebrate their differences. School for all students should be an inclusive welcoming place for students to learn and today’s digital and assistive technology is helping visually impaired students achieve at their highest potential. An inclusive learning environment supported by technology for visually impaired students

7. HOW IS TECHNOLOGY INFLUENCING STUDENT INDEPENDENCE ? Research indicates that uses of technology can improved student’s performance on achievement tests (Kulik, 2003; Winglinsky, 2006). The educational use of technology can also enhance competencies that go beyond the knowledge and skills measured by these achievement tests (Bransford, Brown, Cocking, 1999; Collins & Halverson, 2009). The use of technology in education is essential in helping students build 21 st Century Skills. The Partnership for 21 st Century Skills (2009) has identified skills that are essential for succeeding in work and life in a 21 st Century global society – information, media, technology skills, learning and innovation skills, life and career skills. Students are highly motivated when it comes to the use of technology. The U.S. Department of Education states that 97% of teachers have more than one computer in their classroom, Other technology devices include digital light processing projectors, interactive whiteboards, digital cameras, cell phones, iPods, and handheld video game players (Gary, Thomas & Lewis, 2010).

8. REFERENCES Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L., & Cocking, R. R. (eds.) (1999). How People Learn. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. Available online http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=6160 Edyburn, D.L. (2013). Inclusive technologies: Tools for helping diverse learners achieve academic success. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Gray, L., Thomas, N., and Lewis, L. (2010). Teachers Use of Educational Technology in U.S. Public Schools: 2009. National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Hooker, C. (2014). How Technology Trends have Influenced the Classroom. Retrieved from: http://ww2Kqed.org/mindshift/2014/03/05/http://ww2Kqed.org/mindshift/2014/03/05/ how-real-world-technology-use-has-infiltrated-change-classroom Kulik, J. A. (2003). Effects of Using Instructional Technology in Elementary and Secondary Schools: What Controlled Evaluation Studies Say. Arlington, VA: SRI International. Retrieved March 12 from http://www.sri.com/policy/csted/reports/sandt/it TEDx Talks. (2012, June 15). Can technology change education? Yes!: Raj Dhingra at TEDxBend [Video file). Retrieved from http://youtube/10s_M6xKxNc Partnership for 21st Century Skills (2009). Framework for 21st Century Learning. Tuscon, AZ Retrieved from: http://elearning.tki.org.nz/Teaching/Pedagogy/UDL/Inclusive-Learning-Environment