Barriers for Teachers to use Technology

     The integration of technology in the classroom has become a necessity.  Although technology integration may sound great and promising for teachers and students, barriers keep preventing a full integration.  There are different barriers that hinder teacher’s use of technology in the classroom. In a study conducted by Hadley and Sheingold (1993) the most cited barriers to technology integration were poor administrative support, problems with time, access, space, supervision, and operations ,poor software ,curriculum integration difficulties ,teacher’s attitudes and knowledge towards computers, computer limitations and inadequate numbers of computers, lack of technical support.

     Technology allows for integration of multiple media but when the teacher is not prepared to full capacity they are not confident.  No confidence equals lack motivation.  Unless the teacher is thoroughly convinced that this is worthwhile for the students, the teacher will not be motivated to spend time and or effort in preparing for the use of the technology. (Personal author, compiler, or editor name(s); click on any author to run a new search on that name.Lidtke, 1981)

     As a substitute I have worked in many school settings were the technology is available to the teachers and students but it is not used to its full potential.  I have been exposed to a variety of multimedia and have been allowed to experiment with it.  I have worked with teachers who have been teaching for over twenty years and lack the understanding of this technology.  They find it unnecessary and bothersome to have to learn something new.  They go through trainings but as soon as something goes wrong they give up easily because it takes too much time to try to figure it out.  Teachers have made it clear not having the proper assets readily available discourages them from attempting to battle the challenge.  Not having the resources that they want, computers not working when they need them, and not receiving practical application-based training several are common complaints that teachers have about technology integration (Dexter, 1999).  Although Barriers differ from school to school they are common at every school. 

     There are ways in which technology integration in the classroom can succeed in order for it to occur several steps should be taken. In an article on how to overcome technology barriers five easy steps were given: Step 1: Innovate with the tools you already have Step 2: Seek Out Free, Easy-to-Use Digital Resources Step 3: Overcome Your Fear of the Unknown Step 4: Start with Small, Fast Projects That Enhance Learning Step 5: Learn with Your Students  (Boss, 2008)

If technology integration is to succeed, teaching staff must be involved in planned on-going, hands-on training by expert trainers who understand the potential of technology, the needs of children, and the positive elements of adult learning. (Johanson, 2010)  Barriers will always exist but having the resources to overcome the most common barriers will facilitate the integration of technology in the classroom.  Seeking and accepting help when the barrier strikes can be the most difficult part for many, but being open to receive the knowledge of others will overcome these barriers.

Here are some videos on how teachers are integrating technology into a classroom setting despite the barriers previously mentioned.  The integration of technology itself is rewarding and the barriers are just a way to nudge educators into new learning styles. 

Integrating Technology in the Classroom

Source (Minehaha 2008)

Top ten tips for using technology in the classroom

Source (Picardo 2009)

Using Technology in the 21st Century Classroom

  Source (Rimboch 2010)

Resources:

Images

Boss, S. (2008). How to innovate Extra Money or Support: Five easy practical steps toward better digital integration in your classroom. Retrieved from  http://www.edutopia.org/images/graphics/tech_barriers.jpg 

GeekyTeacher (November 8, 2009) Are you the Perfect Teacher? Retrieved from http://geekyteacher.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/perfect_online_teacher.jpg

Malcom Campell ( June 20, 2000) Ariadne Cartoon. Retrieved from http://www.ariadne.ac.uk/issue23/cartoon/Image1.jpg

Videos

Minehaha Academy (Producer). (2008). Integrating Technology in the Classroom

 [Web]. Retrieved from  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za0SoaGQsYg

Picardo, J. (Producer). (2009). Box of Tricks: Top ten tips for using technology in the classroom.

 [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiisteObuhk&feature=related

Rimboch, M. (Producer). (2010). Using Technology in the 21st Century Classroom.  

 [Web]. Retrieved from  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHriwQhpSuw

References:

Boss, S. (2008, August 6). EDUTOPIA, The George Lucas Foundation. Retrieved April 28, 2010, From Overcoming Technology Barriers: How to Innovate Without Extra Money or Support:Five easy, practical steps toward better digital integration in your classroom. http://www.edutopia.org/technology-how-to-implement-classroom

Dexter, S. (1999). Collective representations and educational technology as school reform: How not to produce a Cargo Cult. Educational Technology & Society, 2(4)

Hadley, M., & Sheingold, K. (1993). Commonalities and distinctive patterns in teachers’ integration of computers. American Journal of Education, 261-315.

Johanson, J., Hutinger, P. and Rippey, R. “Findings of Research Study on Effectiveness of a Comprehensive Technology System Demonstrate Benefits for Children and Teachers”. (http://www.wiu.edu/users/mimacp/wiu/articles/findings.html) Retrieved July 23. 2010.

Lidtke, Doris K. (1981). Securing teacher acceptance of technology. ERIC, Retrieved from http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2sql/content_storage_01/0000019b/80/2f/aa/90.pdf