"Educational technology" is the effective use of technology for learning in school systems. The technology tools can include media, machines and networking hardware. The tools can be applied in different ways to meet the needs of students, the school requirements and to benefit the effectiveness of the teacher. It is important for teachers to be educated on the types of technology available to them in their schools and to keep informed on the tremendous improvements, applications, and impact technology has made on students on a daily basis.

In the past, I was very limited with technology at the schools I worked at with many budget cuts. But I used a lot of my personal technology to keep organized and it made my teaching more effective. When I taught my dance lessons I used my computer to mix music, create cues, and made videos of student work. In other lessons I would use my iPad to input data into the grading system my school used. This I found to be easier than writing down what I observed and adding it into the system after class. If I continued in this school system I would have requested a purchase of this technology for my department to eliminate the use of my personal technology.

I am in a new school system-this is my second year at this high school. By taking this course, I hope to learn about new technology available and ways to apply the technology to my physical education classes. As new new teacher in my department I hope to find ways to improve my department., curriculum and methods of instruction. I would like to pass on information I find to my colleagues. As I am in my seventh year of teaching. I feel it is important to use technology as much as possible as long as it is in a positive and appropriate way. I would like to learn about new applications (apps) to be applied in physical education classes and in coaching.

In my opinion, the term educational technology is the use of electronic devices to help a person learn. Educational technology is a very broad term that changes everyday as the industry evolves. It can be something as basic as a digital gradebook and advanced as a slow-motion camera that gives instant feedback. In the physical education setting I have used technology to track heart rate, steps, record movement/form for assessment, provide instructional video, and have used a video game system to teach the students dance. Technology has also provided me a means to allow remote collaboration (Google Docs/Classroom) and to connect with other physical educators around the world (Twitter).

Through this course I hope to learn new ways to incorporate technology into physical education classes to hook/motivate the 21st century learner. Since I am teaching elementary students I'd like to find uses that are easy to implement so that the students can take control of their learning.

Although I teach high school students, I also feel that technology is a must for the 21st century learner. Students are so connected to electronics that without incorporating current and new technology students can lose interest quickly. Also with the instant connections through twitter and other forms students and teachers can stay up to date with colleagues around the world.

Educational technology is anything that has electronic functions, traditional or nontraditional, which may be used to help students learn. In an "academic" classroom setting this in the past has included computers, projectors, tvs, and dvd players(or vhs tape players previously). In the gymnasium Physical education teachers are now using a myriad of technology. We have used the previous items and sound systems for years. Now with the prices and advancement of technology we use heart rate monitors and other wearable technology, step counters, IPADs or other tablets, a ton of apps for many activities, hand held gps, and cameras for both video analysis of skills and for strategic adjustments in games.
In this class I hope to expand my use of some of these technologies to engage my students and for them to realize that there are many ways to use technology to increase their fitness not just for entertainment.

Educational Technology to me refers to any electronic devices that can aid in execution of a lesson or inspiration for a student to discover an avenue toward success of the content provided. Any technology that assists with the learning outcome or the environment the student is in would be considered educational.

From clocks to GPS systems, as I use in PE, students are continually given more instant feedback on their performance. We can use a variety of apps on our smart device to aid in keeping track of time or digitizing our skills for an analysis with slow motion video. I never thought about it before, but I use technology in my classroom and on the field everyday. My smart phone can email or call a students parent immediately from our school's system and be used a moment later with an app that will change teams randomly, and again with only a change of the icon switch to "Coach's Eye" to evaluate a baseball swing. Think of the equipment that we would have needed for that all to happen 15 years ago. There are more resources out there than I can use in a given unit or season. I enjoy learning about newer tools to help improve my teaching and coaching.

I hope to accomplish a continuing familiarity with different technology as to improve my comfort levels and likelihood I will add these technology tools to my classroom and training facility to improve my student/athlete's experience. I want to learn new "tricks of the trade" too!

Hey George,

I also have used coach's eye to evaluate student skills/performance and to give instant feedback. My students enjoy getting that instant feedback on what did well and what need to improve. What are your thoughts on the app? Do you use any other apps for providing feedback?

Educational technology is the use of tools, techniques and processes to enhance student learning. Technology in the classroom can be used in various ways. Technology used in Education helps to increase student motivation, enhance teaching practice and promote critical thinking. Students enjoy the use of technology in physical education classes, especially the use of step counters, iPads and dance videos. Teaching practices are enhanced by technology to organize planning, use visual aids to increase student learning and for assessment purposes. Technology can be used to help students think critically. Apps on the iPad can increase student learning.

My first experiences with technology was the use of heart rate monitors and step counters. Recently, I received a grant for 1 to 1 iPads for all my students. I have used several apps for the iPad such as swork-it, balance it, i-muscle, coaches eye and seesaw. I use the apps to evaluate student's skill level, for instant activities and to store student work. The use of iPads has made it easier to integrate reading, writing and math in my curriculum.

I hope to enhance my knowledge of using technology in the classroom by researching various tools, reading what other educators are currently doing and evaluating common trends.