Promoting Technology Use in Schools
“Despite the strong push to get educational technology into the hands of teachers and students, many obstacles to implementation still exist”- Jan Gahala. I recently read an article by Jan Gahala who expresses her ideas, opinions and queries in promoting technology use in schools. Initially she identifies five obstacles:
1 – Equipment may not be placed in easily accessible locations.
2 – Hardware and software often pose problems for teachers in the classroom, and just-in-time technical support may be unavailable.
3 – Teachers may lack the time and the motivation to learn technology skills.
4 – Professional development activities may not provide ongoing, hands-on training for teachers or practical strategies for implementing technology into lesson plan.
5 – Initial technology funding may not be sustained and thus not capable of providing upgrades, maintenance, and ongoing professional development
However, in recent years the push for technology has been successful. According to Goldman, Cole and Syer (1999) most schools have computer labs and a few computers in each classroom. Statistics say that more than 90 percent of all schools have access to an internet connection, and roughly more than 33 percent have internet access in their individual classrooms. However, Gahala states that teachers readily admit they are not making as much use of technology as they could. Which is unacceptable when our students are growing up in such a technologically advancing age. Teachers need to be educated and confident in using technology before they can confidently teach their students and incorporate it into the classroom.
Education Week stated that nearly 30 percent of teachers said their students one use use computers only one hour per week; and nearly 40 percent said their students do not use computers in the classroom at all. In my experience, some teachers are extremely under-developed in using technology and with our students these days being so computer literate and growing up in a highly technological environment, our students are ‘teaching’ the educator how to use programs, search engines etc. So the important issue is that, technology may be present in schools, but are we as teachers properly equipped to use it, and is our school computer friendly? Gahala brings to the front a few influential factors that may affect how technology is being used and thus promoted in schools.The article states, Technology may be present in schools but there are several influential factors that affect how it is used. Such as:
* placement of computers for equitable access
* technical support
* effective goals for technology use
* new roles for teachers
* time for ongoing professional development
* appropriate coaching of teachers at different skill levels
* teacher incentives for use
* availability of educational software
* sustained funding for technology
In this article Gahala also provides a set of action options for the administrators, technology coordinator, teacher, parents and community members. Outlining the most compatible options to assist in integrating and promoting technology into schools. See the article to view action options. This article offers great ideas and strategies for teachers and schools struggling to promote the use of technology in primary schools. I strongly recommend you read it thoroughly as it raises poignant issues and very possible solutions.
Reference: Gahala, J. (2001). Critical Issue: Promoting Technology Use in Schools. North Central Regional Educational Laboratory.
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