Enhancing Teaching and Learning with Technology ….The Paths are Just Beginning to Branch Out
Many institutions in the
What needs to be done to see signs of improvements in teaching and learning through the use of technology? Must we continue to build the technical infrastructure and support system of the institution? Or should we attend to staff motivation and technological skills and knowledge? Or could we become more aware of the manner in which the complicated process of integrating technology with curriculum is a hindrance to those new to technology. Maybe a combination of all these factors is at play.
One fact I am sure of is that the new generation of learners is here to stay. Our students are increasingly demanding more use of online courses to be delivered via the internet. Addressing the new demand of the net generation, would require from us, the teachers, to review the pedagogical, psychological and technological issues confronting the seamless integration of technology into education. Addressing these issues would involve everyone-students, faculty, academic, administrators, and IT staff.
I would like to hear the point of view of teachers on
Why are some of the challenges to integrating technology in their teaching?
6 comments:
I believe the secret to the successful implementation of educational technology for enhanced learning opportunities for our students is threefold:
1 - IT infrastructure
2 - Staff training and support
3 - Student training
With a clearly established integrated plan that includes these three, any institution can present their students with additional learning possibilities that we could only have dreamed of a couple of years ago... :):)
Hi Reggie,
Thank you so much for your valuable comments on integrating ICT in school and colleges. I totally agree that for successful integration of Technology in classroom we need to have teachers, parents and institutions working together. We need to see that institutions are very clear on developing a vision for TL. A shared vision is necessary as a benchmark against which to assess different strategies and actions regard the development of technology based teaching; People Infrastructure as Dr. Phil mentioned in his comment(technical services and edtech services support) educational institutions must have in place good system of support where is it is always available to the college community.
You have mentioned the issue of staff turns over. indeed, it is a big problem in Middle Eastern institutions. My college is working hard to maintain good staff and making sure that they have access to professional development and training all the time.
The issue of Parents involvement and participation in their children education is a real challenge and this issue needs to be addressed at the highest level. Even though, I have seen some improvement on that front.... :)
Thanks,
Ghassan
Hi Guss
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. Like you, I work in Abu Dhabi. Public institutions here have plenty of money to spend on the ICT infrastructure but are sometimes not so good at using that equipment.
At my place of work, I get the feeling computer equipment is like a trophy to impress visitors but little real thought has gone into using it effectively. Staff development would seem to be a key part of the answer. Unfortunately, my own institution gives very little support for teachers to do courses such as this one.
By contrast, I understand the Higher Colleges in Abu Dhabi practically forces its staff to develop. Many of them have done this course. I would love to know how effective this approach is in promoting the use of technology in education.
In my own situation, the use of technology has been limited to: exercises such as on the British Council site, searching information for projects, quests on sites like HowStuffWorks, and use of PowerPoint by the students to present their project work.
Keeping the students on task is a big challenge, and keeping them off the chat lines and Arabic language sites. Getting the students to put more of there own ideas into project work rather than pasting it all from the net is also a problem.
Regards
John
Thank you John for your post on my blog…
As you pointed out, many institutions around the world, including those in Middle East, are striving to find a better way to keep students engaged and on tasks.
Our students have laptops and internet access all the time in every classroom. It is like having two classrooms in one. When the laptop cover is down you have one classroom; whereas with the laptop up, you have computer lab. We are learning quickly that to keep students engaged and not chatting or surfing the net, we need to modify our teachings styles to adapt to the new settings. .
The HCT is keen to use technology in every aspect of the teaching and learning process. The infrastructure is state of the art and professional development for staff to use the technology is extremely encouraged at the highest level.
At our college we are working at two fronts to use technology tools to enhance our T&L. Staff Training and good support system in place for the students, staff, and support staff are the keys to our success .
Ghassan
Hi Guss,
I found your comments regarding "Are We there Yet", particularly interesting as it explores the concepts of technology, namely hardware, v the application or use of the technology in the educational arena.
It strikes me that you are in the same position as many other educational institutions, they have the infrastructure and hardware, but are finding that there is a certain reluctance amongst educators to "pick up the ball and run with it". Teachers are struggling with the application of ICTs in the classroom. There are a number of reasons for this associated with: training; the introduction of the technology (requested by educators? or installed and then imposed?); access to hardware and masintenance problems; problems experienced teachers have integrating technology into their classrooms.
Phil identifies three steps he feels necessary for the successful introduction of ICTs in the classroom:
1 - IT infrastructure
2 - Staff training and support
3 - Student training
From personal experience I would agree with his summation, and add to it.
Firstly a school or educational institution should have an IT Plan in place that has been developed through consultation with all stakeholders - admin; teachers; students and parents. It is essential that IT is not imposed, but is considered to be a valuable tool by all.
It is then possible to create a Hardware, Application (software) and Infrastructure Plan based upon curriculum requirements as identified by the teaching staff.
As a part of the installation process, staff should be further consulted and invited to identify areas for PD, being both full staff and individual. This process will inevitably result in a higher uptake of ICT by staff and can only benefit the students involved.
Hope my thoughts will add tro this discussion.
Paul
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