Challenges with Technology Integration

 

    Have you ever received a new device and had no idea how to use it? If you're anything like me, you've had to learn how to use a new piece of technology multiple times over the years. 

    Now imagine being a teacher, with 20-25 students in your classroom, and you are expected to integrate technology into your lessons, have your students use their devices, and try to teach and manage all the students in the room. It can be a challenge. 

    Many new teachers come into teaching thinking they understand technology because they use different social media's on their phones, but technology goes much farther than just social media. Most teachers are at the entry level of technology integration. Kharbach (2024) describes the entry level as "technology used by teachers to deliver content to students". Khabach (2024) goes on to say that "using a projector to display lecture notes" is an entry level integration of technology. Teachers need to learn how to effectively use technology to build student success. The goal is for teachers to be at the Infusion Level and use technology tools daily in teaching and student-centered work (Kharbach, 2024). 

    Now, how can we advance teachers to higher levels of technology integration? Well first we have to start with administration. If administrators are not actively using technology and learning the different ways it can be integrated into their schools, then most likely teachers do not see it as an important aspect of school. Administrators have to lead by example. Attending professional developments on new technology and ways to integrate it is a starting point for many administrators. Above all else, they have to be willing to try.     

  

    Once administrators have been trained and are adept to usage and policies, then teachers can know that their school is serious about technology infusion. There are many times that we receive new technology and we aren't trained on how to properly use it, so it becomes a waste of funds because it sits collecting dust. Essential conditions for effective tech use in schools (2023) states, "school systems without a plan for evaluation and selection of learning materials end up wasting resources, losing focus, and hindering their ability to evaluate effectiveness". When new devices are purchased, leadership does not think to put a professional development plan in place first so that teachers and staff are prepared for how to successfully use it in the classroom. 

References:

Eden Joyce Baguio. (2018, January 12). 5Levels of Technology Integration [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsqtuNM3y1o 

Frazier, M., & Hearrington, D. (2024). Technology Coordinator's Handbook: A Guide to Edtech Facilitators and Leaders. International Society for Technology in Education.

Kharbach, M., PhD. (2024, November 6). What is technology integration in the classroom? - Educators technology. Educators Technology. https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2023/12/technologyintegration.html