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My rationale for using technology on campus is to create more accessible, engaging, and personalized learning experiences for our staff. By integrating tools like ePortfolios and collaborative platforms, we can support ongoing reflection, encourage ownership of learning, and foster a culture of continuous growth. Technology allows us to break down barriers, promote inclusivity, and ensure that professional learning is meaningful and relevant to each individual’s role.

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Digital tools can significantly enhance student engagement when used intentionally. I really like how they can offer interactive, personalized learning experiences that meet students where they are. I see this through the use of Mightier. When students learn to manage their emotions, they can be more focused, confident, and ready to engage in school and life. I do think though digital tools can also hinder engagement if they are used incorrectly. Tools should support learning goals but not replace them. I think for me to keep engagement high, it is important to choose tech that is appropriate, inclusive, and aligned with students needs that are both academic and emotional.

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When implementing AI and advanced technologies like Mightier in education, it’s essential to prioritize student privacy, equity, and informed use. Our readings talk about ethical technology integration has to align with transformative learning goals, which means using tools that genuinely support growth while respecting student rights and individual needs. With tools like Mightier, which track emotional data to help students regulate emotions, we must be transparent about how data is collected and used. Parents, educators, and students should understand the purpose of the technology, and consent must be clear and informed. I truly believe that ethical use means putting student well being first, using data responsibly, and ensuring that technology enhances learning in a meaningful, respectful, and inclusive way.

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One thing I would think that is right with education is the growing awareness of social emotional learning (SEL) and also the push toward more student centered approaches. However, what is still wrong is the system’s slow response to integrating tools that support emotional development. Based on the reading from Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019), transformative technology integration should empower learners and make learning meaningful. Tools like Mightier align with this vision by teaching emotional regulation through interactive games. I think to really fix what is wrong I would advocate for broader acceptance and implementation of SEL tools like Mightier.

Roblyer, M. D., & Hughes, J. E. (2019). Integrating educational technology into teaching (8th ed.). Pearson.

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My rational is to help kids manage their emotions. The use of Mightier in the classroom helps students build emotional regulation skills in a fun, engaging way. Many children are still learning how to manage big feelings, and Mightier provides real-time feedback through gameplay to support self-awareness and calming strategies. It truly empowers students to take control of their emotions, which leads to a more focused, supportive, and productive learning environment.

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I think my position would be with a constructivist, student-centered approach that emphasizes learning through engagement and collaboration. According to Roblyer and Hughes (2019), effective technology integration transforms teaching by encouraging critical thinking and real-world problem solving. I believe tools like Mightier support this by fostering emotional regulation and self-directed learning in students.

References

Roblyer, M. D., & Hughes, J. E. (2019). Integrating educational technology into teaching (8th ed.). Pearson.

Mightier. (n.d.). Mightier: Emotional regulation games for kids. https://www.mightier.com/

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Teaching isn't just about explaining algorithms or showing kids how to use the latest apps. It's about being that voice in their head that says "maybe don't believe everything you see on TikTok" or "remember, once you hit post, that photo lives somewhere in the internet forever - even if you delete it.”

My students are amazed when I tell them I am older than Google because they have never known a world without screens. They've never experienced life without instant access to everything and everyone. They need someone in their corner who can help them navigate the messier parts of digital life - from spotting scams to dealing with cyberbullying. In the end we are not just teaching kids how to use technology, we are teaching students how to navigate it, while maintaining good digital citizenship.

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One of the best things we can do as teachers is focus on why we’re using tech. To be effective, technology needs to support—not lead. Before introducing a new app or platform, teachers should run through a mental checklist. Does this tool make learning accessible for all students? Does it support the lesson objective? Can I measure its effectiveness? Teachers should foster strategies that combine tech with strong traditional instructional practices, such as scaffolding and differentiation, while evaluating what truly benefits their students. Professional development is also critical. Teachers need dedicated time and space to explore new tools, practice using them, and assess how they align with their teaching philosophy.

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Creating authentic learning online is all about purpose. Giving students tasks that connect to their lives, like making digital portfolios or analyzing current issues, helps them stay engaged and invested. Interaction is another critical piece. Collaborative online platforms like Google Workspace allow students to work with peers, fostering a sense of connection with one another. Opportunities for reflection are important as well. Assigning reflective tasks, such as journals, peer feedback or blogging assignments, can encourage students to process what they’ve learned while expressing it in their own words. Overall, the aim is to build an engaging online learning environment that prepares students for life beyond the classroom.

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One major issue in education is the excessive emphasis on standardization, which in my opinion is the direct opposite of what we need to focus on. We should be letting our kids explore their interests and not rote memorization. Encouraging creativity and critical thinking is essential for developing lifelong learners who can adapt to an ever-changing world. By allowing students to pursue their passions, we foster a sense of curiosity and natural motivation that standardized testing often overlooks. Education needs to become more flexible and adaptive, focusing on individual strengths and interests will lead to more personalized learning experiences, which is essential to meet our students diverse learning needs.

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My primary rationale for using technology in the classroom is grounded in its ability to personalize education. Tools like adaptive quizzes allow me to personalize to different ability levels and learning paces, giving every student an opportunity to succeed. It connects students to a world of information and perspectives, and it also creates opportunities for creativity and individualized learning. I believe that no tool should be used just to say you “incorporated” technology. We have to make sure we set clear goals and measurable benefits.

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Educators should align technology with clear goals rather than having it as a backup. Using AI platforms to give feedback on student work can push learning and creativity, while using technology for other means without a clear goal can unmotivate and bring down confidence in students. (Terada, 2020). Educators and staff should model effective technology use, helping students and staff use digital tools properly for learning. Individuals should balance technology with hands-on, collaborative activities to create a deeper learning experience.

Terada, Y. (2020, May 4). A powerful model for understanding good tech integration. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/powerful-model-understanding-good-tech-integration/

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Some strategies to promote authentic engagement can start with bringing in interactive elements such as polls, collaborative sessions to encourage participation.  Promoting group projects and real world scenarios to make learning meaningful.  The use of videos and simulations can help learning be more immersive and relatable.  Encouraging more interactions with teachers and students through discussion boards and video responses can be beneficial to building relationships.

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Digital tools can enhance student engagement when its used effectively.  Gamified learning such as Kahoot! Can promote interactivity, while collaboration platforms such as Padlet or Jamboard focus on peer interaction.  Adaptive learning platforms can personalize content, allowing staff or student to progress at their own pace, which can motivate and minimize frustration (Veletsianos, 2020).  When we overuse digital tools or not implement properly, it can hinder active learning.  Long periods of screen time or technology that is not relevant can reduce engagement and cause burnout.  The lack of teacher to student interactions in online environments can also make student not be motived and feel alone (Fink, 2013).

Veletsianos, G. (2021). Learning online: The student experience. Johns Hopkins University Press. https://www.cedtech.net/download/learning-online-the-student-experience-11687.pdf

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I feel that education has been embracing innovation and technology integration, which creates opportunities for a more personalized learning experience. The use of blended learning models offers flexibility, which can make education more accessible. Even though we’ve moved forward, education still faces several challenges, such as outdated practices, limited adaptability, and rigid structures. I’ve seen how a lot of institutions rely on the one-size-fits-all approach, which alters creativity and fails to adjust learning needs. In order to improve on the situation, I would propose to using flexible learning models that prioritize mastery over seat time. Also, professional learning should move away from sit-and-get towards a go and show model that promotes application and continuous growth.

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My rationale for using technology is pushed by the potential to enhance efficiency, personalize learning, and promote collaboration. In financial aid, automating manual processes in Banner minimizes human error, streamlines repetitive processes, and frees staff to focus on servicing students. Using this technology points out the inefficiencies and improves service delivery, which can benefit students in the long run in getting quicker and an accurate financial aid processing. The use of technology also enhances data driven decision making, which allows administrators and educators to view trends, identify gaps, and make instructional improvements in the organization (Fink, 2013). Fink, L. D. (2013). Creating significant learning experiences: An integrated approach to designing college courses. Jossey-Bass.

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I see myself as a pragmatic constructivist when it comes to theory-into-practice.  While I see the importance of theoretical foundations of educational technology, I believe that its most effective when its applied in real-world scenarios.  From my innovation plan to automate financial aid processes in Banner, I focus on prioritizing hands-on, practical application of technology. Rather than just presenting automation concepts to financial aid staff, I will focus on providing real scenarios through interactive trainings.  This type of approach will make sure that staff are actively engaged and incorporating technology, which makes the learning experience more meaningful and applicable.

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Education has the potential to inspire and prepare students for real-world challenges, but its reliance on standardized testing and one-size-fits-all approaches often stifles creativity and critical thinking. To improve it, we need to prioritize personalized and authentic learning experiences where students have more control over their education. Thoughtful integration of technology can enhance engagement, while professional development for educators should focus on innovative, student-centered teaching strategies. By shifting away from rigid structures and fostering more flexible, meaningful learning environments, we can better support student growth and success.

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The use of AI and advanced technology in education comes with important ethical considerations, including equity, privacy, and academic integrity. Not all students have the same access to technology, so if AI tools aren’t implemented thoughtfully, they could actually widen the digital divide instead of closing it. Privacy is another big concern since AI systems collect a lot of personal data. Schools and institutions need clear policies on data security, transparency, and informed consent to make sure students’ information is protected. Another key issue is making sure AI is fair and free from bias. AI algorithms can unintentionally reinforce existing biases, leading to unfair outcomes. As Kelly (2024) puts it, “Regulations and tools must be developed to ensure that AI is used responsibly and in a way that guarantees freedom from bias.” To make that happen, AI systems should be regularly monitored and adjusted as needed. On top of that, it’s important to use AI as a tool to support learning rather than as a shortcut that bypasses critical thinking and creativity. If used responsibly, AI can enhance education in meaningful ways, but it requires a thoughtful approach that keeps fairness, student well-being, and responsible innovation at the center.

Kelly, Nat. “Artificial Intelligence: Ethical Considerations in Academia.” MDPI Blog, 1 Feb. 2024, blog.mdpi.com/2024/02/01/ethical-considerations-artificial-intelligence/.