Reflective Blog -Week 2

The two organizations that aligned with my values and educational technology philosophy were National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (http://www.nctm.org/resources/high.aspx) and the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse (NSLC) (http://www.servicelearning.org/).  I choose the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics because the website has a variety of information.  It has a link for Tools & Technology and it gives ideas on how to bring technology in the classrooms.  One example was game-like activities, like “Math Bee”.  It also has a link for High School Students, this focuses on activities for grades 8 to 14 math to better understand & links for practice research.  It also has teaching tips, which was very interesting to me since I need all the input I can get.  The website also has a family recourse link that can help student and their families to figure out problems and homework.  There was not a definition for Educational Technology that I could find on this website, however I did see some good ideas on how to use technology to educate students with the essentials for learning math. The Mission Statement is as follows, “The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is a public voice of mathematics education, supporting teachers to ensure equitable mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students through vision, leadership, professional development, and research” ,http://www.nctm.org/about/content.aspx?id=172.  The purpose of the organization is to improve mathematic instructions to PreK-12^th Grade, to educate teachers and give them the resources to engage in activities that are essential for math teachers to work.  Which is better stated in the vision statement, ““The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is a global leader and authority in mathematics education, ensuring that all students have access to the highest quality mathematics teaching and learning. We envision a world where everyone is enthused about mathematics, sees the value and beauty of mathematics, and is empowered by the opportunities mathematics affords.” http://www.nctm.org/about/content.aspx?id=172.   The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse (NSLC) was the other organization that I choose.  Their mission statement is as follows, “The L’Anse Creuse Community Service-Learning Advisory Council is a non-profit organization formed to provide guidance and direction to the programs which offer opportunities for students to participate in organized service-learning experiences.” http://servicelearning.org/filemanager/download/Sample_Forms/lanse_creuse_advisory_council.pdf.  This organization supports people in education, community-based organizations, tribal programs, and others supporting education in service-learning.  NSLC has a website, email discussion lists, library collections, and staff.  The purpose of this organization is to provide problem solving, explore additional funding options (like fundraisers, Lions Clubs, etc.), expand publicity, and to assure grant goals are being met.

Educational Technology is the studies, practices, and theories of using technology, like software, hardware, and applications to enhance the education process.  It is when educational research is altered to the science of learning by creating and using different technical procedures.  This definition of Educational Technology aligns with my philosophy in that I want to attract the children’s attention and the technology is one of the ways to grab it.  I just need to learn more about bringing the education part in with the technology, what will work and what has not been successful.  All of this is fairly new to me and I am learning so much about what all is out there for support, with technology and education.