impetus (n.): a driving force, impulse

From the dawn of civilization, technological progress dictated how effectively and efficiently humans learned and passed on information. While today we colloquially refer to the computing electronic devices we use as “technology,” these complex machines are merely the latest iteration in a long and fantastical line of human technological progress. Fire to tools, bronze to iron, slide rule to calculator. Farming. Verbal languages. These innovations—and many others—have catalyzed great strides in the development of humankind.

Today, personal devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops offer incredible amounts of processing power for little money. Their widespread use gives anybody with an idea and some time to learn a piece of software the ability to create anything. As an educator, I am continuously blown away by the meaning and emotion able to be conveyed through a variety of media, from short YouTube videos to group podcasts, audio plays, interactive games, digital collages, and everything in between.

These forms of media are important to analyze in an educational setting. Not only do more “relevant” forms of content increase student engagement in class activities, but academic situations attribute a sense of legitimacy to newer forms of media, even if said media is still attempting to carve out a niche in our popular zeitgeist. It is my responsibility as an English educator to foster the creative, logical, and expressive talents of my students. This demands using bleeding-edge educational technologies and software to allow students to directly manipulate something of their own creation.

Through your perusal of this page, you will find content I have created with the express purpose of showcasing my mastery and understanding of the ISTE Standards for Students.