Reflection 2

Organizations that align with my educational technology vision and philosophy:

Texas Computer Education Association, http://www.tcea.org/ 

This is a large state organization devoted to educational technology. It was founded in 1980 and has a membership of about 12,000. I selected this organization to showcase in this activity because I have been a member of it since I became involved in career and technical education. Its annual convention brings many session and booth presenters who offer information and leads on new and innovative techniques in educational technology.

Mission

The Texas Computer Education Association is dedicated to the improvement of teaching and learning through the use of computers and technology.

Purpose

The Texas Computer Education Association is devoted to the use of technology in education. Its primary focus is on integrating technology into the P-12 environment and provided its members with conferences, workshops, newsletters, the Internet, and collaborations with her education and business. It is affiliated with the International Society for Technology Education, which provides a two-way channel of information throughout the world.

Goal

The goal of Texas Computer Education Association is to become the dominant force in education. To accomplish this, it follows a long range strategic plan which includes the following three goals:

Goal 1: TCEA will provide services and resources that meet the changing needs of educators.

Goal 2: TCEA will build capacity for the organization through the board, staff, facilities, and strategic partnerships.

Goal 3: TCEA will lead in advocating for education at the state and national levels.

Career & Technical Association of Texas, http://www.ctat.org/

The Career & Technology Association of Texas (CTAT) is made up of a diverse group that shares one  common goal—preparing students for the high-tech, high-skill careers of the 21^st century.  I selected this organization to showcase in this activity because, like TCEA, I have been a member of CTAT since I became involved in career and technical education.  I strongly believe in the preparation of our youth for the 21^st century.  Our youth must be educated today in the very best possible way in order to meet the technological demands of tomorrow. Educators, too, must prepare in order to teach our youth. Texas educational technology organizations such as CTAT (and TCEA) help us prepare and meet the technological demands of the future.

Mission

CTAT is the leading advocate for career and technology education, enabling educators to prepare students of all ages for successful careers through rigorous academic and work-based learning programs, promoting instructional partnerships with business and industry, and increasing public awareness of the career opportunities available to students.

Purpose

To provide leadership in developing an educated, prepared, adaptable and competitive workforce.

Strategic Priorities

Professional Development
Advocacy and Awareness
Awards and Scholarships for Leadership and Excellence

My Definition of Educational Technology

Educational Technology integrates technology into the curriculum, applying the most current tools (computers and other electronic technologies) to address educational needs. With this in mind, Educational Technology motivates students to attend school daily, connecting and relating; it enhances their instruction, interacting, visualizing, and accessing; and it helps students learn 21^st century technical skills so that they can be prepared for the workplace.  

In brief my educational technology philosophy embraces technology in the classroom, reaching out to the globe, interacting, accessing, visualizing, connecting and relating.