We read in class a very interesting article on integrating computer technology into schools. The article lists several obstacles faced by schools in using technology. I feel like schools are in a tough place when it comes to using technology. When a new technology is developed that could possibly benefit education, they are thrown into the public education arena and are expected to be used. However, a lot of times these new technologies aren't being used, or are not being used fully. In several instances this is due to the fact that most teachers are not trained in how to incorporate these technologies in their classrooms. To use the technology would require a lot of training.
I believe providing all of these technologies to schools that don't know how to use them is a waste of resources and time. This is not to say that schools should not be provided new technologies regularly. But great thought and care should be spent on evaluating if the schools are prepared to utilize this technology. If not, what can be done to truly prepare them to use the technology. This I am sure would be a slow process. But I think if we are more efficient in the preparing of schools for technology, we won't have to play this catch up game once schools already have the technology and are unable to use it.
I'm with you that there's no point spending money on technology if no one knows how they are going to use it. On the other hand, no one is going to figure out how they would use certain types of technology unless they are given a chance to try it out. It's a hard balance. I look forward to more discussions on good ways to use technology in the classroom!
ReplyDelete