Technology And Teacher Readiness

1654 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Influences of technology on teaching

Technology and Teacher Readiness
According to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Education, despite access to funding and equipment, less than 35% of teachers have integrated technology in their instruction at the very least, on a weekly basis. (U.S. Department of Education, 2008) Research has shown that teachers’ beliefs, comfort level and readiness to use technology play a crucial role in its implementation within a school setting. Other concerns such as technological literacy and perceived usefulness of technology for student learning can dictate its use, or lack thereof. “Educators are urged to incorporate technology into instruction, but the effectiveness of educational technology is determined by teachers’ readiness to use it, not by its mere presence in the classroom.” (Jones, 2001) Much research has been done regarding the lack of technology implementation in schools. The common thread is the inability of connection for teachers between technology tools, and how they impact student learning.
Learning Theories
As we read through and discuss learning theories throughout history, we begin to see the connections and reasoning behind the changes in educational practice that have led us to where we are today. After reviewing the major learning theories of the past two centuries, the following stand out as being the most relevant for educators of today, with regards to the implementation of technology in the classroom. Constructivism, constructionism, situated learning theory, multiple intelligences, and social learning theory are all learning theories that positively and directly impact the way students learn information and make sense of the world around them. By adapting these theories to align with new shifts in educat...

... middle of paper ...

... to do so.” (Carlson, 2002) Teachers need professional development opportunities that not only provide information, but also allow time for hands-on experiences in the creation of lessons. Teacher training in the use and application of technology must be given priority and resources in order to increase participation in schools. Research shows that experienced teachers turn to their peers for help when designing lessons and are reluctant to use technology when they are not comfortable. To integrate technology into their classrooms, teachers must feel comfortable with technology. Principals who wish to increase their teachers’ readiness should provide ongoing training, opportunities and time for teachers to collaborate, access to technology support, and modeling through peers who have successfully utilized technology in their lessons and can share these experiences.

Show More
Related

  • Technology In The Classroom: Annotated Bibliography

    1767 Words  | 4 Pages

    The article, How and Why Digital Generation Teachers Use Technology in the Classroom: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study, discusses the use of technology in the classroom. Traditional teachers have been viewed as an obstacle to introducing technology in the classrooms. It is also believed that this issue will resolve once the technological generation of teachers enter the profession.

    Read More

  • (Introduction Paper) The Impact of Formative Assessment and Feedback on Student Learning Using the Student Response System

    2141 Words  | 5 Pages

    Working as an Instructional Technology Specialist for the past seven years has provided many opportunities to observe teachers and students in a classroom setting. During this time teachers have been in the process of phasing in a new standards-based curriculum with an emphasis on student mastery of these standards. New technology tools have also been incorporated in many classrooms including studen...

    Read More

  • Technological advances in society

    2164 Words  | 5 Pages

    It is very hard not to realize that technology has overpowered education in many ways. “Technology integration is similar to a tidal wave, growing silently in strength, then falling with an unstoppable roar upon those who paid no attention or showed little interest” (Guhlin, 40). Nowadays, computers are almost considered a necessity in the classroom, and are the main component of technology integration. Computers are being used in more numerous ways, besides only being used for basic word processing. With a simple computer, copious availabilities of technologies can be used in the classroom. “The one thing that is so great about the computer is that it does give a lot of instruction--and you don't need to have hearing to take advantage of it” (Anderson, 12). It’s amazing how one simple screen can provide everlasting opportunity for learning.

    Read More

  • Technology In The Classroom Research Paper

    1229 Words  | 3 Pages

    Almost everyone attends a school at one time in their life, whether the classroom includes technology or not. Research shows that technology isn’t used as often as one might think. The article, “High Access and Low Use of Technology in High School Classrooms” illustrates the use of technology by stating that only one in ten elementary and middle school teachers are daily users of computers (Cuban, Kirkpatrick, Peck). Most schools now have classrooms that use technology throughout the entire class time and even at home to do homework. Although some people might agree with the use of technology in class, it is more harmful to the students than useful.

    Read More

  • Will Technology Replace Teachers

    875 Words  | 2 Pages

    As the world keeps relying more and more on technology, the possible question for the future is, will technology eventually replace classrooms and teachers? Slowly, more and more of college level classes are offered online now, instead of in the classroom. Will computers provide a better learning opportunity for students? Will students succeed more with online classes rather than traditional classes? Will this be cheaper in the long run for students? Since the world is being taken over with technology, will this be better to students so they are able to teach themselves with technology? Technology already has a huge role with classes right now, could that lead to technology completely taking over the regular classes? This topic is important because it could result in many jobless teachers, but it can also result in cheaper schooling for students. There are many questions up in the air about this happening in the future. There are many valid points for and against this topic coming from teachers, and departments that explore different areas to expand and advance learning environments.

    Read More

  • The Effective Use of Technology In Education

    2068 Words  | 5 Pages

    Based on what I have read, technology effectiveness is a highly debated and argued topic among educators. There are many myths and misconceptions that even I myself have argued about technology use. For example, I always assumed that because I was a young, new teacher and used technology that most teachers who used technology were new and young like me. According to the article Research dispels common ed-tech myths, this idea is not the case. Veteran teachers are just as likely to use technology as new, young teachers (eSchool News Staff, 2010). A 2009 survey by Grundwald associates, found that as many as 34% of teachers were infrequent technology users compared to 22% who claimed that they used technology frequently, more than a third of their class time. This number is astounding to me. The research in this article seems to argue that even among those who do use technology in the classroom, many use it for tasks such as email, word processing, or games. Very few classrooms seem to be using the technology for actual learning and teaching.

    Read More

  • Technology in the Classroom

    1792 Words  | 4 Pages

    Technology is becoming more and more dominant in our society.Everyday upgrades are being made and new innovations are being discovered. Technology is all around us whether we want it to be or not: it is the vehicles we drive, it can be found in our homes, and can even be found in the grocery store.Every place we look there is some type of technology.I believe technology has had a major impact on our school systems and is still impacting it today.There are those who do not agree, though, that technology has impacted our schools.Eric Gormly writes, “In fact, many theorists point out the overall impact of technology on education has been quite small, manifesting little discernible change in the classroom.” [1]Yes, there are some schools that are not as advanced as others, but many of them do have a significant amount of technology in them.I find it fascinating that so much technology has been incorporated into our classrooms, but I believe that, even with all of the positive aspects that are associated with technology, there are some negative and even dangerous aspects that should be taken into account.I will be sharing some of the equipment that has been used in the schools, how both the students and the teachers use the equipment, and also the positive and negative effects that technology has had on our schools.

    Read More

  • Newer is Not Always Better: Textbooks vs. iPads

    2603 Words  | 6 Pages

    Wright, Vivian H. and Elizabeth K. Wilson. "Teacher’s Use of Technology: Lessons Learned from the Teacher Education Program to the Classroom." 20.2 (2011): 48-58. Web. 13 Nov. 2013.

    Read More

  • Benefits of Technology in the Classroom

    1820 Words  | 4 Pages

    Do you ever think about how much technology has changed the way we work, learn, play, and even think? Technology is a major beneficiary to society; especially in the classroom where we get the opportunity to learn and grow. In recent years, schools have begun implementing tablets and other devices in the classroom to better student’s education. The use of technology in the classroom provides more of a personalized learning experience and gives students a widespread availability to engage in learning. Technology is necessary in today’s modern globe, it is basically “the pen and paper of our time and the lens through which we experience much of our world” (Warlick, 2013). Technology is not just considered the “internet”, it is so much greater than that. Overall, it enhances the quality of education and engages students deeper than ever before. With all the significant gains, why would people argue that technology hinders students more than it helps? Critics may try to repute the use of technology in the classroom but I believe what really matters “is the way we use it, the context that we use it in, and the learners who we use it for” (Chong, 2012).

    Read More

  • Technology Is Changing Education

    1255 Words  | 3 Pages

    Technology is Changing Education The best method for improving educational standards is to utilize every tool available, including state-of-the-art technology. Computers and the Internet have expanded the way in which education can be delivered to the students of today. Today's networking technologies provide a valuable opportunity to the practice of learning techniques. Educators are discovering that computers and multi-based educational tools are facilitating learning and enhancing social interaction. Computer based telecommunications can offer enormous instructional opportunities, but educators will need to adapt current lesson plan to incorporate this new medium into all the classrooms.

    Read More

  • Technology in Education

    1681 Words  | 4 Pages

    Technology, as we all know, is helping and improving many disciplines of life. Technology, in Britannica Encyclopedia, is defined as the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life. (Britannica, 2009)

    Read More

  • The Use of Technology for Teacher Professional Development

    780 Words  | 2 Pages

    Prior to this decade, best practices for technology as a component for professional development/in-service training didn’t exist to the extent that it does today. In education, the term “best practices” refers to a shorthand emblem of serious, thoughtful, informed, responsible, state-of-the-art teaching (Zemelman, Daniels & Hyde, 2005). Because technology is rapidly evolving in ways that encourage innovation and discovery, best practices that were appropriate for the traditional classroom are no longer feasible with a new generation of students that are raised in a “tech-savvy” society. In order to prepare educators to meet the needs of students from the millennium generation, professional development and in-service training has to include technology to meet the demands of the 21st century. Professional development refers to formal and informal learning experiences and processes that lead to deepened understanding and improvement of practice (Broad & Evans, 2006). The use of technology for teacher professional development can be categorized in three ways: a delivery system that provides information to improve pedagogy and content mastery, a focus of study that develops teacher’ abilities to use specific tools, and a catalyst for new forms of teaching and learning (Gaible & Burns, 2005). One of the most primary elements in the process of professional development is educational change (Villegas-Reimars, 2003). As changes occur in our educational system, teachers must learn about the best practices in relation to integrating technology into the curriculum through because the use of technology is essential in classroom instruction and professional practice.

    Read More

  • Philosophy of Technology Integration

    1149 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the past, technology was something that was only used in our homes and by the wealthy. However, this has become a thing of the past. Classrooms have become more interactive and lessons seem to be more engaging. Students have been given the opportunity to use Smart Boards, document cameras, projectors, and wireless slates. In order for our students to feel comfortable, when using the different technologies, they must have some amount of background knowledge. If a student is not given this background knowledge, they will have more difficulty utilizing the technology than someone who has the background knowledge. Teachers in classrooms today must also have some type of knowledge of the technology being used. A great way to build this knowledge is to attend training sessions that your district may be holding, and utilize the technology as much as possible.

    Read More

  • Introduction of Technology into Education

    979 Words  | 2 Pages

    Mundy, M., Kupczynski, L. and Kee, R. 2012, “Teacher's Perceptions of Technology Use in the Schools”, SAGE Open, pp. 1-8, viewed 15 Jan 2014, retrieved from Sage Online Article.

    Read More

  • Computer Technology and Teaching Principles

    1862 Words  | 4 Pages

    As facilitators of learning, our classrooms are filled with students who are comprised of generation X’ers and Millenial’s. We must be conscious to structure our lessons and approaches so that we can present content in the most effective manner. Technology, in regards to principles of teaching, challenges the teacher to not only learn what the technology is all about, but to learn to integrate it effectively within the context of their individual classrooms. Teachers in classrooms across the nation struggle with computer technology, the many features, and the never-ending cycle of new devices that are bought into their classrooms daily. Because of the lack of training and severe levels of discomfort, teachers have developed a negative disposition towards the use of technology when it applying it to principle. Recognizing the noted factors, it can be resolved that we do live in an interactive world. Our job is to effectively integrate the technology in such a way that it supports, guides, and enhances learning for all parties involved.

    Read More

More about Technology And Teacher Readiness

Open Document