It is true that even today, when powerful educational technology tools like interactive whiteboards, electronic archives, remote conferencing systems are improving the classroom experience of students all over the world, there are still a few in the teaching community who are unwilling to adopt the innovations. Its not always easy to understand the reluctance in embracing technology but the more natural reason would be the tendency of people to resist widespread changes in their profession. The march of technology in our daily lives, specifically the pervasive use of computers and internet has moved at a rapid pace over the last decade to the point where it could be a quite overwhelming for some educators to contemplate changing from their traditional way of teaching.
Even though technology itself cannot present a solution by itself, but realization of its potential by the educational community is the only way to change the traditional mindset of teachers and to make them accept the tools of modern world. Teaching is an exceptionally difficult job even for a driven person and technology tools can definitely improve classroom experience for both teachers and students. However, if teachers believe they are being forced into using it, they will resist, especially if its not properly demonstrated what specific value it will bring to their classroom. When it is imposed it becomes another compliance exercise rather than being a way to enhance learning. Technology integration in classroom should be a gradual process and shouldn't appear as another burden on the teacher's tasklist. The correct way of introducing it would be to probably position it as a critical means to improve the student's experience. Once the teachers and school administrators realize that its going to make a significant difference for students, they will endure the challenge and take the path to change the existing traditional methods.
I think your posting demonstrates the political nature of technology - as in any reform method. Teachers need to feel empowered, and not like a target of a reform.
ReplyDeleteAlso, technology especially seems like a "burden on the teacher's tasklist" as you write when it is not directly connected to the purposes, interests, and problems that the teacher has identified within his or her practice.
For example, all too often professional development simply introduces the use of a tool without giving teachers the time to plan for the integration of the tool into the curriculum.