Educational Philosophy

“Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is most important.”

Bill Gates

The purpose of teaching is to help pupils gain a lifelong commitment to learning. I believe every pupil has the desire to learn, but it is the methods implemented by the teacher that leads to learning. By teaching my subject well, I can transform the subject matter into an investigation that is both exciting and relevant to the students in my care. The drive of teaching is similar to that of learning: it is a continuous, challenging, and exciting process that never fails to be rewarding.

“Technology in the Internet age means we must teach tomorrow’s skills today.”

Jennifer Flemming

My role in a student’s learning is to capture a child curiosity by offering what is possible today and encouraging them to seek the innovation of tomorrow. The technology that pupils are exposed to today has developed from the imagination of the generation that preceded them. It is this striving for the impossible that leads to the advancement of technology and computing.

The objective for each of my student is to develop the confidence to try new things, a passion to learn and not to be afraid of making mistakes. When you have a computing problem, a remedy can usually be found pretty quickly, but it is rarely the best solution. It is only by review and collaboration with others that the best results and revelations can be made. And this can only be achieved once student feels safe and secure in their working environment.

In my classroom I use my enthusiasm, humour, subject knowledge and passion for my subject to capture the attention of even the most technophobic learner, whether a student or teacher. Students are stimulated to enjoy new challenges and given the autonomy to develop their own solutions. My classroom is a happy one, with the pleasant buzz of activity as confident and enthusiastic learners guide and are guided to their own successes.

I evaluate my student’s success by regular assessments of the challenges they have undertaken, their reaction, their comments and the time it takes me to coerce them out of the room. As a teacher, my role is a blend of demonstrator, facilitator and delegator depending on the needs of each pupil.

“Education is the currency of the Information Age…”

Barack Obama

I believe that it is my obligation as a teacher of computing to instil a desire for lifelong learning and growth not only in my pupils, but also their parents and the wider community. Today computing and ICT has an impact all aspects of our lives without bounds. It allows us to explore and to try new ideas. It entertains and brings communities closer together. It can allow a child to create that which is yet to be imagined.