Learning Philosophy

Does your school, library, or organization have a specific learning philosophy that guides ed-tech purchases and implementation? If yes, what is that philosophy?

From those who gave permission for their answers to be published.

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"how does it benefit the learner"--broad philosophy but it works for us
Active experiential collaborative learning. Blended Learning
Any thing student friendly , encouraging 5-step experiential learning leading to a wholebrain classroom + within the school budget
Approval from Tech Director.
As a new librarian, I am constantly investigating how technology can and should be used. I have to purchase all technology from my library budget. Our school does not have a cohesive, visionary goal.
As the world is enhancing so to keep pace with it ,it is crucial.
Balance - where appropriate
barely
basically just what we know students need to know and be able to use but at a basic level
Because we included the remote areas on worldwide educational projects, we have to find some free technical supports on software.
Bottom line, no technology for technology's sake. If it doesn't help us do something better, no investment.
buy as needed or what is trendy
Co-learning between learners from different cultures using technology is a way forward for learning across culture
Consciousnee Based Education based on TM
Deliver as much as we can to the desktop, offer blended learning experiences to emphasize the importance of analog, and also HUMAN resources.
Development of competencies for porfessional and enterpreneurship roles.
Do not know
Dont Have
e are a brand new school so still defining this.
Ed-tech is really at the core of what we do as a virtual language academy. However, our emphasis is on the ed first - a good teacher must be a good teacher first, no matter how many bells and whistles he or she knows how to use.
Every teacher is responsible for the methodology and techniques he / she uses.
Follows the requests of the system which seeks equity of access to digital devices. No BYOD, some students lease laptops with an option to buy after 2 years, otherwise 10 laptops and 4 iPads per classroom.
Form follows function.
Four words: Efficient, Safe, Engaging, Cost-effective
Free moocs in order to get more paid students 'in da house...'
From end of 2015 onward - move to overhaul and totally change & revise teaching and learning approaches and philosophies towards a more student centred teaching approach. Facilitating more than lecturing. Placing the onus on students to do more of their own investigation and research. Also moving this general approach into a digital package for in class as well as delivering the same course to developing overseas international satellite training institutes for our specialised subject. Still all very much "in process" and faculty still grappling with changes in teaching style and digitising their entire courses into modules. #learning_curve
Government bureacracy decides it
Having my own library and / or school is a dream yet. My philosophy is to be present at the moment of now for each every single person. All of the people have to have emotions, to be apprecitated, respected and to be active.
How will the purchase improve student achievement? is our our guiding question
I am French. Here in France, there is a lot, a huge lot, of Learning Philosophy, at the very moment there is even the "Law of School Refoundation". So far, I have seen more 100-page-texts about new programmes than any ed-tech purchases.I
I am not aware of the organization's philosophy regarding purchases and implementation. (Research-based, BEST Practice, UDL)
I am not currently working in a school or library setting. But I don't believe that my most recent school had such a philosophy.
I am not part of the conversation or the learning philosophy that guides ed-tech purchases for our university.
I am not sure about that. We do have a computer room, Internet access and overhead projectors that we can use when we need them. But I do not think there is a school philosophy in that direction.
I am not sure how strong our philosophy is but we do seem to think about ease of use, student's ability to connect to online learning opportunities, and cost.
I am not sure we have an overarching philosophy.
I am not the person making those decisions
I am sure they do but I am not aware of them.
I can only say about me. I adhere to the ideology of critical thinking. I'm not sure that this technology
I do not know.
I don't know
I don't know but the prevailing pedagogy of rote learning in Cambodia seems to have transferred from the white-board dominated to the computer-screen dominated classroom.
I don't know.
I have highlighted the vision for using the technology as "a liberal, error-free , and perfect learning that saves miles to travel years to waste for getting skills and education. So, the philosophy is quite obvious that learning can have great positive and effective role if attained through technology."
I have no idea. If they have such guides, they have not shared them with me.
I honestly do not know.
I wish it did.
I wish!
I'm not currently employed
I'm retired from the NYCDOE, and as such do not work in a school.
I'm working part-time this year in a new school while I study and my new school has a strong philosophy of using ed-tech to connect all our learners - students and teachers - with the wider global community to learn. Our students learn languages online, our teachers connect via Twitter and other online communities. In fact, I first met my new Principal (and knew her for many years online before meeting face to face) online on Twitter before working for her.
IB philosophy and ISTE standards guide our purchases
If it benefits the learning, use it.
if so, it is not transparent!
If there is one I was unable to find it.
In my school, We are involve in a change education revolution> Escola Nova 21.
Infusing technology skills into our teaching/learning across content areas.
It is being created as I write this. We are looking how to integrate ISTE and ALA standard to create a philosophy and standards that will help guide us.
It may, but I only teach summers now. I will try to find out if you like.
It varies depending on faculty.
It's basically me, but the philosophy I encourage is about accessibility (the civil rights definition)
It's the thinking not the thing. We try to find products that encourage students to Ask, Create, Play, Solve and Share.
Keep it out of student hands
La filosofía de la Institución Educativa tiene una filosofía de aprendizaje de ahorro permanente y es el docente quien decide invertir en tecnología permanentemente.
Learning in the 21st Century is a seamless process that is rooted in high expectations and authentic, creative, collaborative and relevant experiences. Our vision is to create a supportive, flexible and experiential learning environment that is focused on students’ strengths and interests, inspiring our community to be lifelong learners and global citizens.
Library is in service six days a week
Money - or lack of same
My library teaches computer science and provides free computer time and internet access.
My Local library has a Tech Spot but it has been disappointing. They are not inclusive and the staff is un trained in even the basics. Sort of a turn off when the staff shoos learning away and can't answer any questions. The city has spent 1000, on equipment and apps and the instructions is either to advanced for school aged children and the staff hostile to self directed learners.
My philosophy is very simple. Every child is entitled to sensitive, personalised and effective support in their character building in seven aspects of their personal development which I capture within a child centred and activity based holistic framework - Moral, Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural, Emotional and Social (MoralSPICES). Teacher educators are most effective when they remain focussed on LOVE, LIVE and SHARE and when they ensure that the increase in knowledge goes hand in hand with understanding of that knowledge and even more significantly on the application of what they know and understand. The application of basic technology in order to reach and engage teacher educators at a distance (from UK in my case) in this remote village has proved invaluable.
My school teaches us to use ed-tech to enhance pedagogy and/or andragogy and to implement ed-tech when based on proven learning theories.
My small Ed Tech company has a philosophy of using open source software and low cost hardware where we can, to enable as many young people from all backgrounds to access the latest creative technology.
My university encourages using virtual learning management platform for teaching and learning and I love it. I post there my teaching materials, activities, tutorials, quizzes and discussion forums for students. It works very well and my students are very active on this platform, so i believe that it is useful for their learning.
N/A
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n/a
N/A Old district was yes, we had a strong positive philosophy of trying to empower students with apps we purchased, but that changed when we got a new superintendent, now it's "God knows what he's thinking" and a lot of drill & practice stuff. Thus, I am happy to be retired.
NA
NA
Nah
New purchases will align with strategic plan, which emphasizes concepts such as bundled learning.
Next year (sept. 2017), I will be settled in a Highschool in Oise, France (North of Paris), so I will probably answer precisely.
Njust what each teacher is willing to buck up and do.
No
no
NO
no
no
no
NO
No
no
No
NO
No
no
no
no
No
NO
No
No
No
no
No
NO
no
no
no
No
NO
no
No
No
no
No
No - but would love to - I am the librarain
No but a good idea given the money spent theses days
no idea
No my country is working on it I hope
No philosophy yet in my organization. It is however being worked on now.
no specific mission or vision statements which are needed. We do have a Center for Innovative Education
No we can not afford more like that. Only books are in library
No, absolutely.
No, aún no avanzamos a ese nivel de claridad y capacidad de respuesta antes los nuevos escenarios.
No, but we are thinking about it
No, I work in a public university and Technology is not even a subject of discussion.
No, not really; except how can we get the students outside (before, during or after).
No, there is no real philosophy in place.
No, unfortunately there is no "philosophy" behind ed-tech solutions, equipment or projects.
No, we should do more in what concerns our colleagues' professional development. But everybody is to occupied writing papers and PD and even teaching is done just because it must be done.
NO!
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No. I wish it did.
No. Its my own interest and venture.
none
none stated
Not a written one. It's my own philosophy, which is that the kids should first have an option to do things without technology (like play in the dirt) but the bigger kids need to be able to use technology to find things out because we can't keep materials in the library that are as up to date as things online.
Not necessary.
Not officially, though there is a lot of talk about pedagogy needing to come first.
Not really
Not really a unified principle, currently
Not really, however we are 1:1 iPad in our College of Ed and have technology proficiencies our students must meet.
Not really, unfortunately
Not really. We are a 1:1 school, so it is anticipated that we will use the laptops in our classes on a regular basis.
Not really. In name, values use of technology. In reality uses for data collection and analysis ... not so much in enhancing teaching and learning.
not sure
Not sure
Not sure
Not sure
Not sure exactly what the philosophy is but we have a Chief Innovations Officer that makes most of the decisions with input from different sources.
Not sure.
Not sure.
Not sure. Libraries in Australia have become extremely controlled towards customer service (not even necessarily having to be a qualified professional) at the front line...... and the then the important and secretive behind the scenes "professional untouchables" in acquisitions/operations management. Any philosophy is dumbed down and tailored towards adhering to Council propaganda about "customer service values".
not that I am aware of
Not that I know of.
Not that I'm aware of, although obviously general guidelines about student focus, parent feedback and curriculum provide some guidance.
not that I'm aware of.
Not that I'm aware of. (Public library system)
Not the philosophy, however. the goal of our school this year is to integrate more and more technology in your teaching and learning
Not yet
Not yet, but when it does tech resources would be acquired based on the extent to which they enhance student learning.
Not yet, we are working towards it. Digitalization as basis for growth could be the main driver.
Nothing specific.
One of my library's mission is to bridge the technology gaps which is coincide with my belief, and my job as a librarian in providing technology training.
Only if the price is right.
only in terms of being equitable between/among all the buildings
Our district has not yet developed a guiding philosophy that extends beyond words.
Our organization's vision is a world in which educational institutions continually increase a student’s enjoyment of learning.
Our philosophy is 'proceed with caution'.
Our Philosophy is "Making Evidence Based Decisions(MEBD) help students' learning"
Our philosophy is that it's not about the device, but rather about student learning.
Our school (it's a state school in Belarus) tries to implement technology as much as possible. Of course, we can't afford 1:1 computer student ratio, but we have some smartboards and 3 computer classrooms. We strongly believe that our students deserve modern technology to be used in the lessons in order to provide better learning outcomes and increase engagement while learning.
Our school tagline is "artists, innovators, individuals" and use of technology that strengthens these is always something that we are working towards – whether it is maker stasis, augmented and virtual reality, or real-world tools to build out our curricular posibilities
Our tech purchases and implementation are student-focused. As opposed to mandating the use of technology for students and teachers, we let the teacher/student need primarily drive the decision making.
Our training course is online. Students stay in their cohort, so they have a community of support throughout the course. Students meet with their Instructional Guide in a live video chat once a week. There is a two-week face to face summer intensive. Students engage in a practicum/internship in concert with the course. So, there is a blend of online learning and supervised real life experience.
Philosophy--Students at the center; tech is a tool, not a magic bullet. But like all philosophy, it's high thought and difficult to manifest in practice given the pressures to put tech in the classroom. We're losing the skills of our seasoned teachers as they juggle their learning with classroom instruction. It's easy to say that students can teach teachers, but we all know what it feels like to "not know." There has to be a foundation from where a teacher can comfortably begin to work with her students. Time and training--more expensive and less tangible than Chromebooks and Smart Boards
Regret - not.
school yes, library - no
SelfDesign - keeping human relationship central to the online experience, having participants self-navigate with mentors as guiding facilitators.
SLIS at SJSU is likely guided by a students first philosophy.
so far it has not... but we are working on that!
Stay as close to cutting edge as possible and make integration PD available for all teachers
Strong focus on innovation.
Student centric , high quality and compatible with all learning styles
student-focused
Students bring their own technology devices and use them for learning.
students by the time they graduate from high school should have taken at least one class online to be college ready.
Students must be 'tech savvy' irrespective of the discipline they are studying.
Synchronous learning technology (Virtual Classroom) provides a middle path between the "transactional distance" and learner dropout issues of asynchronous learning technology and cost, time issues of phsical classroom.
Teachers are "encouraged" to use technology in the classroom
tech needs to empower learning, not just replace what we already do with a screen
Technology is not about the tools but about the way in which the tools are utilized to support authentic, relevant, and complex learning.
Tengo un Colegio y nuestro énfasis es Tecnología
That technology is user friendly, useful, enables teachers to augment their pedagogy rather than substituting what they already do. That is can do things which previously were inconceivable without technology.
The company I work for where we coach teachers and model lessons for students provides the LMS for the district to improve reading for struggling readers. Their philosophy is -- the software can do the heavy lifting for the learning, but the teacher is so important and must utilize the technology to idientify students deficiencies and let that data drive his/her instruction.
The district anticipates that these laptops will help foster a highly engaging learning environment and will transform teaching and learning, both during and outside of the school day.
The non-written philosophy is to look for all free resources through internet. Teachers are encouraged to use projectors and web resources in their classes. Each classroom is equipped with necessary devices with internet connectivity. Faculty members may suggest for any ed-tech purchase for his/her class based on which the university central authority finally decides if it is feasible and useful for other classes too.
The philosophy of my organization has been influenced by Jaime Casap. I want technology to be as easy to use as possible. I don't want teachers to have to think about it, I just want it to work for them.
the school system does...
The university I work for, Charles Sturt University in Australia, requires all learning artefacts to be online and for Distance Ed classes of course all interactions and collaborations will be online. On campus classes must also have an online component to support and enhance face-to-face classes. A lot of work is being done around the Online Learning Model (OLM). This is being designed to support engagement in learning through the use of technology and strategies. Read more here - http://uimagine.edu.au/csulx/
There is no philosophy. Sadly we are still at the point where students are being asked to shut off their devices, not use them to enhance learning.
They use Moodle but support and innovation are not priorities (sadly)
Through "accompaniment".
To enhance learning more and more for the progress of the society.
unfortunately no
Unfortunately no
Unfortunately we haven't got such a guideline.
Unfortunately, no--not that I know of.
Unfortunately, there was/is no clear educational plan in my country, Syria! They spend too much on building school computer labs but no capacity building or technology training for the teachers. There is a room under the name of 'Project Based Learning' in some schools but no one use it. Now I am in Germany, but the same issue! The language schools for refugee, they speak about blending learning methods in the meetings but the teachers have no idea and they teach in the old methods!
Unknown
unknown
Unknown
Usae better software every day at lower costs , such as cost + fee.
Use any technology that can enhance learning and create exceptional learning experiences
Very willing to invest in ideas with faculty endorsement.
Vision of our Library is to impart information literacy skill to make every student to become independent effective learner within the Institution and also life long.
we are a Google for Education college, so chromebooks etc.
We are a learning design department, so our charge is to evaluate the latest tools, strategies, and theories.
We are a site based district, but in all of our interactions, we guide schools to use their technology funding to purchase tools that help meet learning needs specified in the school's strategic plan. Learning first.
We are a teaching college. For the most part we use free apps and purchase programs that instructors request for their subject matter. The technology department purchases materials from subject matter providers that are recognized by the ministry of education and are used in the schools so that our teachers in training will be able learn to use materials that are availble in the schools that they teach. Again we are lead by what instructors want. The library purchases databases requested by instructors or wide data bases like proquest and eric. We also purchase other subject matter databases that are used by instructors and students for research. The last type of material purchased are things like dictionaries, online book collections, ......
We are a very tech oriented school. Focus is definitely on purchase of technology and implementation.
We are behind, but I try to stay ahead of the game on my own. You can never know too much
We are not an education based library
We are on the way
We are using a sufficiency model due to low levels of funding.
We are working on a updated statement of philosophy for our instructional tech program
We buy new tech and give patrons access to it. The idea is that exposure to new tech makes it normal and then we can start use it as a tool.
We don't have a philosophy that I'm aware of.
We have a "no screens" policy for students in our homeschool group, unless it is specifically used in the classroom by mentors and students.
We have a maker space and are still testing what the public is interested in and would like us to purchase. Maybe a session on how to survey the public to do this.
We have a program implemented as an institutional goal sanctioned by the national policy and curriculum. Namely, computer studies is taught as a separate discipline for students who may then opt for it at the higher levels. The goal is to make students computer literate. Secondly, we have other innovative programs initiated at teacher/class/club levels involving integration of technology. These normally take the form of project based learning. The idea is to introduce new practices in learning involving technology and other 21st century practices.
We have little guidance on ed-tech purchases other than checking that it is not duplicate at other places on campus and checking for the lowest price for the expenditure.
We have rather many project so as each project requests a deep reflexion so we can say yes because we have the intention to implant many cyber café but the lack of money does not favor that. In addition, many schools don't have access to the computer so we are looking fro any opportunity to support these school, that request a deep thought.
We look at our strategic plan to see if what is being proposed supports it. If so, we work to add it; if not, we refocus on other things.
We strive to have a continuous learning philosophy. I know from experience that nobody joining a new role knows everything that they should, and also that the people who are most productive are always the ones who strive to keep learning and never rest on their existing knowledge. We are too small unfortunately to be able to allocate time for continuous learning to every person, but we try to remain registered to providers of relevant courses, and encourage people to review material that would be most helpful to them as much as possible. We should be doing a lot more though admittedly.
We tie technology purchases and implementation to student outcomes.
We try to be pedagogy-led and 'trendy' stuff is critiqued although we sometimes don't resist the urge to do something because every other HEI is
We use an innovation pipeline.
We use Google platform, we were told several years ago to ensure we were trained and equipped to use related tools. We are a technical school with a P-TECH high school so it is a focus
Well, they are finally utilizing tablets...not a lot except for some online learning.
With knowledge we serve
yes
Yes - "Mobile first" meaning that all elearning content must be easily viewable on a mobile device; All learning topics must have eLearning content.
Yes but this is more on limiting open access or imposing copyrights on certain publications
yes it doers, using digital platforms to teach and support students learning
Yes we do. Active learning is driving the change in the technology use on campus.
Yes we have International policy of the school and we are already using different online tools and apps.It can be viewed at http://kamlanehrupublicschool.com/globalconnect.php
Yes, Group discussion and decision-making
yes, application of technology tools
Yes, at Know My World, our mission statement is: "To offer a multitude of platforms and projects for exchange and growth between various countries and cultures. Our programs and exchanges provide shared teaching and learning opportunities between participants. The pivotal focus of Know My World is to promote enriching opportunities within and beyond the standard curriculum, through social, emotional and cultural competency, to transform the educative experience." This includes and incorporates ed-tech as the pivotal platform for this connection. Social media, software, collaborative programs and apps, these all are tools to build relationships and find ways to connect across social, economic, and cultural differences.
Yes, but it is >5 years old and needs to be updated. You can read it here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VYSXRB4etsO29qWUrNpsidQjRP_Oz6j114d2ckhlOnc/edit?usp=sharing
Yes, good quality and long lasting material .
Yes, Learning by doing, even using virtual labs and Interactive websites.
Yes, no advanced knowledge without technological alignment.
Yes, our department is part of the leadership team in our district. Technology is integrated through many classrooms. We find that holding Individualized Professional Development for teachers in Technology helps teachers at their comfort level of tech.
Yes, Power UP
Yes, the 1:1 program, will provide laptops and iPads (iPads for K-2) and will be updated every year, we use Lenovo windows laptops and chrome books. We can also take home laptops.
Yes, the tenets that learners learn best with the aid of technology as tool for for meaningful and engaged learning with the teachers using differentiated learning modalities and blended/flipped classroom learning
Yes, we have a specific district technology plan which focuses on seven distinct areas.
Yes, we like STEM activities that require coding and creativity. I am one of the people who guides these purchases in my district. We try not to purchase things that are gimmicks, but items that have real learning value.
Yes. Technology is not the objective it is just a tool.
Yes. Online courses.
Yes. The move to blended or hybrid learning
yet to have one

Does your school, library, or organization have a specific learning philosophy that guides ed-tech purchases and implementation? If yes, what is that philosophy?​

Does your school, library, or organization have a specific learning philosophy that guides ed-tech purchases and implementation? If yes, what is that philosophy?