Steven Cooper

William Paterson University, College of Education

K-12 Initial Certification Program (Social Studies)

Spring 2006

Technology in Education Courses

Intro-Photos	My Computer Movie	Term Project
Resume	Media Reviews	Miscellanies
Teaching Philosophy	Readings	Rubric
Teaching and Technology	Lesson Plans	Links
	On Line Reviews

My educational philosophy has developed over the years. Education is the process by which individuals gain intellectual knowledge and develop mental and physical skills. It is a two way process, both on the part of the person (the teacher) facilitating the acquisition and development of such knowledge and skills and the person (student) who is the beneficiary to such. Though of course those distinctions are not so clear cut, for I have found often times that such acquisition and development between “teacher” and student” are a two way street.

I have also observed, learned, that the best teachers are those who can motive their students and instill in them a desire for growth and self-improvement regardless of the subjects studied.

The words “excellence” and “good citizen” are often used to describe the educational process. “Excellence” is a relative term. Self improvement and intellectual/mental growth in the student are better goals. Likewise “good citizen” is too controlling a phrase. Social and ethical guidance in an individual’s development should rest firmly on the individual. (Of course schools or classrooms should maintain strong internal rules or codes of conduct at all times).

Rather what should be emphasized is engagement. Every person has special talents, things that they excel at over others. A good teacher will find those talents and use them to engage and instruct. That is my primary goal as I see it. All else will follow from that.

Technology and Education—Some Thoughts



In recent years, advances in electronic technology make the teaching of social studies far easier than it had been in the past. Information is more readily available than just a generation ago. This makes researching topics, planning lessons and communicating with others much easier-- things that potentially can add to lessons. Secondly the digital revolution has brought about more sophisticated and powerful tools (devices) which can deliver intellectually and emotionally more stimulating forms of educational entertainment.

Although access is still a problem in many districts, in the not too distant future even physical textbooks may become an anachronism. Students free of such constraints may actually be more inspired to learn.

However, with such advances there come problems. Plagiarism, greater opportunities to cheat and even, for the undisciplined, a greater chance to fall behind in ones work. Yet if properly managed the technological advances of the computer and digital age can greatly assist in the teaching of the social sciences.