Technology
use in the classroom is dependent on several different things. Some of the barriers that affect its use are:
teacher buy-in, cost, and time. If
teachers are not willing to integrate technology into their classrooms and make
an effort to use it consistently than it will not have any effect on the students. It would also be a waste of money to some
degree for the school district if they provided the teacher with new technology
that does not get used. Many teachers do
not incorporate technology into their lessons because they are unfamiliar with
the different forms or they are uncomfortable using new things in their
lessons. Some teachers are unwilling to
adapt to the changing faces of education.
The barrier of cost is probably one of the largest factors that influences
the technology used in the classroom.
School budgets control the types and amount of technology that can be
added to the school each year as well as maintaining that equipment. Each additional form of technology typically
adds a substantial burden to the finances of the district. Time is another aspect that can be a burden
and setback for the introduction of technology into the classroom. Technology requires district staff to
research affective strategies to implement in the classroom as well as how to
use them. Many teachers may need to go
through training to effectively be able to use the technology.
Technology
will become heavily integrated in the classrooms over the next five to ten
years. As technology continues to progress, it will be continually imperative
that students are able to learn with and use technology that is current. It
will be vital that they are able to use technology that they will be expected
to use in future workplaces. The students must continue to stay current so that
they are relevant to the rapidly changing technology. If they cannot stay
relevant with technology that employers are using then they will not be
employees that are desirable to hire. With that in mind, classrooms should
continue to advance and incorporate different technologies so that students understand
current technology opportunities and limitations and remain relevant.
I agree that a big factor in technology use in the classroom is the buy-in of the instructor. Be it a finical or mental buy-in the effort must first be made to integrate on the part of the person that is in control, the teacher. I have seen many teachers receive new technology in their classroom only to let it sit wasted because they do not know how to use it or simply don’t understand its relevance in the modern world.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great post.
Hi Megan:
ReplyDeleteI agree that some of the barriers for implementing technology would be teacher buy in. If teachers aren't technology savvy and does not feel comfortable with the use of techology; of course they would not use it with their students. There are some teachers who are not comfortable with technology and does not know how to use it effectively with their students. I believe that in the next 5-10 years teachers would be more technology savvy because they should have received the proper training. This is the 21st century and everyone should be exposed to how to use technology and be introduced to the different types of technology tools that are available. I cannot wait to see what other types of technology are going to be introduced in the future.
Laquitta
It seems as though most of our class agrees that budgets and teacher training are the two biggest factors affecting technology integration. I, too, believe that districts should research effective strategies, but I wonder if this will be possible with economy and the ever-decreasing school funds. I am not sure how your state is fairing economically, but Georgia seems to be reducing funding for education every year. I believe in order for educators and school systems to integrate technology, they will have to think outside the box to gain funds. Perhaps, applying for privately funded grants or seeking support from local businesses will become a regular event in public school systems. As I have mentioned in an earlier post, my school system is adopting a bring your own technology for next school year. This may be the most feasible of all options. Only time will tell.
ReplyDelete