Why are teachers not integrating technology?
I was having a discussion over lunch the other day with a colleague of mind Becky. She is a life long learner and making the move into education, specifically instructional/information technology. We were reflecting on the recent comments from some of the blogs we read and a new one I have recently come across, by Miguel Guhlin.
The question was what is holding teachers back from integrating technology and using these tools in their teaching? We came up with a long list; here are a few that seemed to sum it up for us.
- Not enough time to ‘play’ with and learn the new tools.
- Not enough time to make a fluid natural use of the tools, therefore they are not part of an authentic learning experience but a contrived one.
- There are not enough computers around for easy access.
- Teachers need the time to experiment, for a little trial and error.
- They need to know it is okay to try some thing new.
- It is okay to make a mistake.
- Teachers need to be freed from the pressure to keep up with the often over stuff scope and sequence. (Maybe add a little time in the planning to allow for a little creativity and experimentation, doing something the first time always takes more time.)
- They need encouragement, support and some good modeling.
- They need to know the value of these tools.
- They also need to be valued.
I can hear my mother saying all you do is “complain, complain, complain, so what are you going to do about it?” Well what are we going to do about it? I am open to suggestions.
4 thoughts on “Why are teachers not integrating technology?”
You are already trying to find solutions to many of these problems just by doing your job. In my school I have geared my training towards what is most convenient for the teachers — before school and only 30 minutes. I try to make detailed handouts to help them after they leave class. I try to focus on a few teachers that I know will be open to new ideas and then let those teachers mentor others. I try to do as much as I possibly can. The support must come from administration in order to solve some of the issues you mentioned.
I believe you have accomplished so much in the last year and should feel good about what you are doing for the teachers.
Julia’s right Beth. You manage so well with the limitations you face and always do so with a “will do” attitude. While we don’t have the funding to answer to their reasons we can continue to support their efforts through collaboration and the occasional pat on the back. You are making a difference.
We need to promote technology more purposely, by integrating technology into pre-existing curriculum frameworks; and we need to help teachers to understand the specific purpose of technology-based curriculum tools. For example, if we are using an assess-teach-model-practice-feedback-assess-reflect model, teachers need to understand the role of the technology tool in this framework. It needs to be crystal clear. Many pre-packaged programs have integrated assessment and practice components, but are less clear on the teaching and modeling front. Smartboards, however, can be an effective tool for teaching and modeling. If we can help teachers understand the uses of these varied components and how they integrate, they will be more likely to make effective use of the tools, and less likely to see technology as a blizzard of unconnected gadgets and programs.
The upcoming Christmas break is a perfect opportunity to just play. Ask your own children for help with technology, read as many educators blogs as you can and just play, explore, play and think outside the box!!!
Also, read “Teaching Every STudent in the Digital Age,” which is available in digital format at http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/.
Your students will benefit!