Are Teachers Prepared to Effectively Integrate Technology in the Classroom?
Technology use in the classroom is rapidly becoming the preferred choice of providing instruction. This is why it is important for teachers to be aware of the benefits of using technology and to know that it is essential that they be well-trained and prepared to create life-long learning experiences for these 21st century learners.
It has been said that one of the number one benefits of technology in the classroom is student achievement. According to the CEO Forum (2001) of the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET), "technology can have the greatest impact when integrated into the curriculum to achieve clear, measurable educational objectives" (Cradler, McNabb, Freeman & Burchett, 2002, p. 47). In knowing this, teachers need to realize that teaching technology cannot be done just for the sake of teaching it. This is a tool that will require effective integration with the curriculum. This, of course, takes time and effort.
Allowing teachers to have the time to be trained properly in technology integration and planning appropriate lessons based on that technology is crucial. "If we expect teachers to use technology in ways that enrich and enhance student achievement, we must provide them with the professional development they need to develop the confidence and skills to apply technology, and an understanding of how technology supports standards-based education" (Foltos, 2003, "Technology and Learning," para. 3). Technology needs to be more than just word processing, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. These are not the skills of 21st century learners. These students should be able to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate. With proper integration of technology, these skills should be automatic, but are teachers given enough opportunities to learn the technology themselves before using it in the classroom?
Many teachers have little or no training in the use of technology. This is why there needs to be a greater effort to offer continued professional development. In fact, Schrum (2005) mentions that teachers need to be involved in the training process, which will require them to be active rather than passive participants (Choosing and Using the Tools section, para. 4). What better way to learn the technology than taking a hands-on approach.
In a perfect world, it should be the responsibility of the teacher to assure a well-balanced education for students, including integrating technology. However, teachers cannot keep up with the demands without support. There needs to be a partnership between school and community in order to provide students with the most effective 21st century learning environment.
It has been said that one of the number one benefits of technology in the classroom is student achievement. According to the CEO Forum (2001) of the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET), "technology can have the greatest impact when integrated into the curriculum to achieve clear, measurable educational objectives" (Cradler, McNabb, Freeman & Burchett, 2002, p. 47). In knowing this, teachers need to realize that teaching technology cannot be done just for the sake of teaching it. This is a tool that will require effective integration with the curriculum. This, of course, takes time and effort.
Allowing teachers to have the time to be trained properly in technology integration and planning appropriate lessons based on that technology is crucial. "If we expect teachers to use technology in ways that enrich and enhance student achievement, we must provide them with the professional development they need to develop the confidence and skills to apply technology, and an understanding of how technology supports standards-based education" (Foltos, 2003, "Technology and Learning," para. 3). Technology needs to be more than just word processing, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. These are not the skills of 21st century learners. These students should be able to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate. With proper integration of technology, these skills should be automatic, but are teachers given enough opportunities to learn the technology themselves before using it in the classroom?
Many teachers have little or no training in the use of technology. This is why there needs to be a greater effort to offer continued professional development. In fact, Schrum (2005) mentions that teachers need to be involved in the training process, which will require them to be active rather than passive participants (Choosing and Using the Tools section, para. 4). What better way to learn the technology than taking a hands-on approach.
In a perfect world, it should be the responsibility of the teacher to assure a well-balanced education for students, including integrating technology. However, teachers cannot keep up with the demands without support. There needs to be a partnership between school and community in order to provide students with the most effective 21st century learning environment.
References
Cradler, J., McNabb, M., Freeman, M., & Burchett, R. (2002). How does technology influence student learning?. Learning & Leading with Technology. 29(8), 46-56. Retrieved on June 19, 2010 from http://caret.iste.org/caretadmin/news_documents/StudentLearning.pdf
Foltos, L. (2003). Technology and student achievement. New Horizons for Learning. 9(1), 1-8. Retrieved on June 19, 2010 from http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/technology/foltos.htm
Schrum, L. (2005, August 17). Technology as a tool to support instruction. Retrieved from Education World Web site: http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech004.shtml
Foltos, L. (2003). Technology and student achievement. New Horizons for Learning. 9(1), 1-8. Retrieved on June 19, 2010 from http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/technology/foltos.htm
Schrum, L. (2005, August 17). Technology as a tool to support instruction. Retrieved from Education World Web site: http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech004.shtml
Laura,
ReplyDeleteYour paper was very well-written! I firmly agree with what you said about teachers needing to be aware of the benefits of using technology in the classroom. I think that many old-school teachers do believe that incorporating technology means using word documents and spreadsheets. I also agree with what you said about a perfect world. No teacher can completely stay up with the times all alone. As it is the teacher's job to incorporate technology into the classroom, it is the district's job to see that it provides training to give teachers the tools to do so.