When we talk about technology for education we do come across numerous online platforms offering courses, platforms from which we can learn anything we desire to.
But if we look closely, educational institutions are latecomers if technology has to be introduced in the most important room of a student’s life ‘The Classrooms’. Things are not happening as well as they should. There comes a lot of challenges when we try to mix technology in classrooms. Teachers are trying to embrace the use of technology but are not able to use it effectively. A study of the use of ICT in the teaching – learning process in secondary and senior secondary schools of a district of Punjab, one of the most economically prosperous states of India resulted in:
- In 75% schools teachers use ICT for maintain records and for preparing question papers.
- 38% of schools use ICT for academic planning, content transaction and project work.
- In 37% of all the schools, less than 40% teachers are motivated to use ICT in teaching- learning process.
- In 26% of the schools none of the teachers were motivated to integrate technology in their classrooms.
Read the full report here.
After researching I came to the following major and most common challenges that makes teachers and institutions slip away from the concept of 21st century classrooms.
Below are few pointers stating some of the major challenges that are obstructing the integration of technology in the classrooms.
Take a look!
1) Resistance to change:
Easy way out is to keep the status quo. Educators are comfortable and used to the traditional method of teaching and hence resist changing and getting out of their comfort zones. According to the researchers, teachers and school leaders often see technological experimentation as outside the scope of their job descriptions.
2) Lack of hardware and guidance to use them:
Schools are still not sure as to what type of computers and other technological devices they should use. Institutions need to understand their requirement and work accordingly. Availability of gadgets is important for proper and smooth functioning without any hindrances.
Institutions and teachers need to prepare themselves to make students work together on one device as well as let them work individually on one device. Also there is a need for proper and timely guidance that should be provided to teachers for effective use of technology.
3) Kids will know more than me attitude:
Kids today are more active and pro when it comes to technical things. Teachers are afraid of the potential technology holds and the power of knowledge students can get with it. This attitude that kids may know more than me makes educators insecure and backs them up.
Instead, teachers should interact and engage with other students and try to learn along with them. Teachers also have to become a learner in order to enjoy the benefits of this mix.
4) Fear of technology:
Educators have this Fear of the unknowns with new technologies. They are Scared to experiment with new technologies. Also, this thought of having to learn it all at once slips them away from the idea of integrating technology.
Thinking that a technology coach must have all answers is one other reason that leads them to get away from the idea.
5) Lack of training opportunities and rigid teaching models:
Educators aren’t provided with sufficient training and proper technical support. With so many roles to play, there is shortage of time to practice with new and ever-changing technologies. The already existing teaching models are rigid to be transformed.
Technology can and does enhance the performance of educators, professors, and entire school and university systems. Basic skills for the students and educators of the 21st century skills will include basic literacy in the subject areas but in addition, students also need basic scientific, economic, and digital literacy.
To truly understand the benefit of technology use for learning teachers need to be able to appreciate the benefits of technology as a tool for learning. They need to view the tool, as beneficial, enabling their students and themselves to perform their jobs more effectively. Classrooms must support learning environments that reflect an understanding of what keeps children in eager pursuit of knowledge.
Share your views and opinions in regard to what can be other challenges that are obstructing this integration.
Read more on The Continuing Challenges of Technology Integration for Teachers.
