Technology for Teachers

ChanLin (2007) claims that, "Teachers who are willing to spend time in using computers are more likely to gain confidence in using computers” (p. 46). That is how I’ve learned almost everything I know about using technology. I was willing to spend the time to learn about computers and how they worked. As I learned more, I was willing to use more with my own students. When technology is embedded into the classroom curriculum, teachers themselves learn more about technology and how to use it. That was the philosophy of my past school. They wanted to educate the educator on technology so that they would use it more in the classroom. And it worked. Because technology was embedded into their classroom, they were forced to learn the technology themselves.

Sadly, embedded technology isn’t a priority and, "Unless administrators take the lead and make a difference, school will continue to lag behind other sectors in society” (Bauer & Kenton, 2005, p. 539). I would love to see a school improvement goal to be using technology in the classroom and that teachers would be required to use some type of technology in their classroom with their students. Some teachers might need a little push to get started. Trying it once in the classroom might lead to trying it again. Soon technology might be embedded more into their curriculum as teachers become more knowledgeable about the tools and how to use them with their students.

ChanLin, L.-J. (2007). Perceived Importance and Manageability of Teachers toward the Factors of Integrating Computer Technology into Classrooms. Innovations in Education & Teaching International. 44(1), 45-55.

Bauer, J., & Kenton, J. (2005). Toward Technology Integration in the Schools: Why it isn't Happening. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education. 13(4), 519-546.