- Teaching with Technology -
Philosophy

	Every student learns differently. I believe it is my job as an educator to try to reach as many students as possible, regardless of their learning style. One way to do this is through the use of different media.
	Teaching with technology is an alternative way to instruct classes consisting of a large variety of students. Technology, whether it is in the form of graphics, PowerPoint presentations, or audio files, gives students with various learning styles a chance to grasp the material and topics discussed in class.
	While technology is often an effective means of providing students with information, technology is not a universal solution for all teaching environments. Some students, such as older returning students, may have a difficult time with technology due to a lack of hands-on experience. Teaching with technology must therefore be used in a simple, straightforward manner. In addition, technology should not be used as a substitute for a teaching. It should be used to reinforce pedagogical methods and only be used where and when it can truly be effective in helping students learn.
	Despite the limitations, teaching with technology has given me the opportunity to reach a larger percentage of students who might otherwise get lost in a big classroom where individual attention is minimal. Technology helps me as a Teaching Assistant in Geography to disseminate information to many students at once, for example by using ANGEL. This helps me to make sure that everyone is getting the same information in an effective, efficient manner. It also diminishes receiving the same questions from multiple students and allows me more time to help students with conceptual questions rather than focusing on administrative questions concerning grades, etc.
	Understanding how to effectively teach with technology has been important in my teaching career at PSU. It will also stay important as I begin to look for jobs in the GIS (geographic information system) field. Organizations need people who can effectively publicize and distribute information. Teaching with technology in classrooms at the university has given me these necessary skills.