Many teachers think it takes too much time to integrate technology. I, too thought that until two years ago. I find now that once I have learned the program and integration make it easier to present pedagogy and thinking/creative skills with students.
The lack of funds sometimes is a problem I see in many schools, especially smaller ones that combine many teacher's abilities. In order to improve our usage we need to spend the time, funds and energy needed to acquire the skills needed.
In order to correct many problems, teachers need to actively collaborate, help, and learn from each other. Principals and leaders need to actively help teachers plan curriculum that incorporates ICT into the school system. This starts with school wide communication systems for teachers, administration, and parents.
Programs need to be developed that coordinate services and talents. Comprehensive plans need to be drawn for integrating services, programming, resources, comprehensiveness, policies, procedures, careers, development, and ethics into ICT in the classroom and school districts.
Teacher and resource lack is a major problem as we see many teachers holding on to their lifetime teaching methods. Education itself must continually reteach. I am a good example of a 74 year-old teacher wanting to learn new techniques to better serve my students. Knowledge is vain without the wisdom to use it practically as we strive to become what was ordained for us by from the beginning of the world. As a missionary, I see vast areas of Africa opening up to know Christ as we integrate technology to its fullest in schools and communities. I see the use of small pads and phones as a means of education in every school childs' hands even in Africa . We are exploding in the use of WEB 2 and 3. Information literacy is now as important as reading, speaking and writing literacy to the economic success of our students' futures. Thorsen (2009) from Carr (1998) Learning
Teaching and learning processes are open wide to us as we learn the tools that can be used. Software is a means to bring what I call "realia'' to our students in a way never known before.
References:
Carr, J. (1998). Information literacy and teacher education. ERIC (ED4242331)
Thorsen, C. (2009). Tech tactics. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Verne,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting point you made regarding keyboarding being taught to 3rd graders on up. I do agree as I see students in high school that hen peck the keyboard. I recall taking typing class in 9th grade of high school and it was one of the most important practical classes I have ever taken. Of course I am still using my typing skills, and even more so due to the technology we enjoy. I am very impressed that someone 74 years old is still hungry to learn technology. My father-in-law is a 84 year old retired chiropractor and he struggles with basic computer skills. In fairness to him, he did not grow up in the ditigal age so it does not come quite as natural as our students today.
You mentioned two challenges with regard to teachers integrating technology in their classes: Lack of funds and teachers who are happy with teaching methods they have used for many years. These two issues are problem areas for the school I serve at and I surmise it is typical of many schools, particularly smaller private schools. I certainly understand the apprehension and think back at some of my favorite teachers (back before technology was in classrooms) who were remarkable educators. Nonetheless, students today have grown up as digital learners and educators must use pedagogy methods that are relevant to learners. Sheninger, E. (2014), asserts that traditional teaching styles conflict with the digital learner of today (p. 15).
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I will be praying for your ministry in Africa.
Joe
Sheninger, E. (2014). Digital leadership. Chaing paradigms for chaing times. Thousands Oaks, CA: Corwin