What Is Your Biggest Challenge re: Technology in the Classroom?
What is the biggest challenge for teachers as it relates to technology?
Discussion started by Steve Gillis , on 650 days ago
I would say that number 1 would be access to the technology followed by teacher willingness to use/implement the technology.
First and foremost there should be computer literate teachers who are able to use tech appropriately in class/teaching. Technology in teaching is not a game , as many teachers or even parents feel. We should be aware of the pros and especially the cons. We should keep the balance between traditonal teaching (using a book) and tech. Otherwise, I'm afraid teachers might be replaced by too much tech in class. Sts aren't aware of the limits in use of tech and we should also act as supervisors on it. I find great challenge to persuade parents that tech is a part of teaching and not a waste of time.
I guess this wouldn't be a challenge, but more of a problem/observation. I feel that if a teacher is going to use technology in the classroom then he/she should fully understand what that technology's function is. I see many teachers using the internet, interactive whiteboards, response tech, etc, that don't fully know what they are doing. When students see a teacher that uses technology it usually excites them. To have that teacher not know what they are doing with the technology frustrates the students. So, what am I saying? I think I am saying that it's important to know how/what/when to use technology as an educator...pretty simple.
Working between the district and regional techs that seem to pull too many strings and shutdown the network at unopportune times and other teachers that "borrow" the overhead LCD projector for their kid's, computer gaming party.
Overall, I've seen and worked for a lot of department heads that don't know their behind from first base and can't find it with both hands. They have the badge, however, so some of us have to grin and bare it. Of course, you can't complain to anyone, and if you go over their heads you are in hot water.
Tech teachers are responsible for a lot of hard/software and they should know how to maintain it in addition to know who and when to report to if their seems to be a problem...including security problems, too.
Our school had "granny", Internet filters installed, but anyone could go to Google and find all the naughty bits in seconds. Personally, filters for the Internet are not appreciated by adults using district classrooms.
Overall, I've seen and worked for a lot of department heads that don't know their behind from first base and can't find it with both hands. They have the badge, however, so some of us have to grin and bare it. Of course, you can't complain to anyone, and if you go over their heads you are in hot water.
Tech teachers are responsible for a lot of hard/software and they should know how to maintain it in addition to know who and when to report to if their seems to be a problem...including security problems, too.
Our school had "granny", Internet filters installed, but anyone could go to Google and find all the naughty bits in seconds. Personally, filters for the Internet are not appreciated by adults using district classrooms.
An IT department that is so focused on maintaining total control that it impairs my ability to use technology.
Donna! I completely understand what you are saying. It can be VERY frustrating. Scenario: I have a great idea, run it past some of my colleagues. They don't want to work with me on it because they "Don't have the time to learn the technology," so I decide to go at it alone. Spend time planning and ultimately get shut down by our Tech Services Dept. due to a security risk?? Really? I'm getting heated up right now just thinking about it. What security risk!?
Donna and Julie - I know what you are saying. I have found myself feeling the same on many occasions and have spoken up a few times. You have to pick your battles wisely though. IT departments have a huge advantage over the rest of the administration in that nobody really understands what they are talking about/how serious a security threat really is. They are always trying to cover themselves, sometimes I believe too much.
I am curious - Do all of you have a "Computer Person" in your school? Is he or she a teacher (working with the kids), or someone assigned to assist teachers with technology?...or both? I think the role that "This Person" plays in every school or district is very different and could in many cases be the key to making things better for both students and faculty. I still stand by one of my earlier posts that we should allow students more input on how we use technology in the classroom.
For me, the availability of the technology, most of the public school specially those in the far flung areas in my country has no access of such technology in classroom: Computer, LCD, internet etc. More teacher's are not equipped enough with skills needed for using such technology, because of lack of trainings and support.
Knowledge. Time for the teacher to learn the software and then deliver it. I am constantly trouble shooting technology problems from screen freezing to more complex Photoshop issues. Most of the time I am learning on the job as my last inset on such skills areas were years ago. It keeps me updated but it causes stress! Provide staff with the inset and then have them re-deliver to the rest of the school (those interested) and save time and money on pointless whole school inset and 'motivational' speakers!
Culture is the most pervasive barrier to integrating technology with curriculum or with support. Teachers are strapped for time and other resources, so they only know basics: turn it on and it should work. ( OK, some know more than that). The IT departments tend to respond to administration and "parents' fears/needs" so they often act as typewrite repairmen and TSA agents at the same time.
I like an earlier comment where the person said that BALANCE would be a good thing. Let me add COMMUNICATION with that. Everyone seems to be too busy to engage with anyone else - faculty, staff, administration, parents, and the ultimate clients: the students.
BTW I'm intrigued I didn't see mobile or Bring Your Own Device mentioned here. In other education scenarios (e.g., higher-ed and professional training these are more accepted now than before.)
Lastly I speak from spending 30 years of supporting technology primarily for higher education, but also working with K-12 and Libraries. What I wrote above about Culture applies in all these environments. Recently I worked with federal government and military and it's just as crazy there too. At one un-named Federal Agency you can use Google Search, but are forbidden to use any other Google app because it is "Social Engineering." Go figure.
Thanks for your time.
I like an earlier comment where the person said that BALANCE would be a good thing. Let me add COMMUNICATION with that. Everyone seems to be too busy to engage with anyone else - faculty, staff, administration, parents, and the ultimate clients: the students.
BTW I'm intrigued I didn't see mobile or Bring Your Own Device mentioned here. In other education scenarios (e.g., higher-ed and professional training these are more accepted now than before.)
Lastly I speak from spending 30 years of supporting technology primarily for higher education, but also working with K-12 and Libraries. What I wrote above about Culture applies in all these environments. Recently I worked with federal government and military and it's just as crazy there too. At one un-named Federal Agency you can use Google Search, but are forbidden to use any other Google app because it is "Social Engineering." Go figure.
Thanks for your time.
I have found in my industry (Vocational Education and Training) that the resistance to introducing technology is ever present. I think the key to introducing technology into the classroom is to ensure that the correct training is in place for staff to feel comfortable with that delivery. There have also been talks of LMS support and mentors to ease the transition.
I'm currently studying eLearning also, and decided to leave one of my contract employers due to the lack of momentum and movement towards change.
My students were suffering with the out of date hardware and resources which made it very difficult.
This discussion thread has been very informative thanks for all the entries.
I'm currently studying eLearning also, and decided to leave one of my contract employers due to the lack of momentum and movement towards change.
My students were suffering with the out of date hardware and resources which made it very difficult.
This discussion thread has been very informative thanks for all the entries.
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