Uniform use of technology
bringing all teachers into the digital age
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Expectations vs Reality
Gone are the days when technology in the classroom consisted of nothing more than an overhead projector. Though often frustrating to use, no training training was required and most every teacher could get by with little instruction. Now, the classroom is home to a wide range of electronics to be used not only by teachers, but by the students themselves. Given that technology presents a great number of learning opportunities, it's no wonder school boards are pushing staff members to learn how to properly use electronic devices. That pressure makes its way to principals who in turn expect their teachers to be informed on the use of technology. Unfortunately, many teachers are lacking experience in that area - especially veterans who've learned to live and teach without it - and this creates a gap between teachers who are familiar with classroom tech tools and those who aren't. Ultimately, all students should share the same learning experience.
Gone are the days when technology in the classroom consisted of nothing more than an overhead projector. Though often frustrating to use, no training training was required and most every teacher could get by with little instruction. Now, the classroom is home to a wide range of electronics to be used not only by teachers, but by the students themselves. Given that technology presents a great number of learning opportunities, it's no wonder school boards are pushing staff members to learn how to properly use electronic devices. That pressure makes its way to principals who in turn expect their teachers to be informed on the use of technology. Unfortunately, many teachers are lacking experience in that area - especially veterans who've learned to live and teach without it - and this creates a gap between teachers who are familiar with classroom tech tools and those who aren't. Ultimately, all students should share the same learning experience.
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Why the gap in familiarity with technology?
Veteran teachers highly skilled in the art of overhead projectors have long ago graduated from Teacher's College where technology in the classroom wasn't a very evolved concept. They've had no reason to learn the use of technology in the classroom and have learned to teach just fine without it. After all, it's really only in the past 10 years or so that technology in the classroom has been setting new precedents. Enter new BEd graduates who are learning that technology is an important tool that will help shape future students' education, but who themselves are barely trained in using it effectively themselves. Still, the new generation of teachers has at least had the privilege of growing up with electronics as part of their everyday lives, and so their learning curve is significantly smaller than veteran teachers nearing retirement.
Veteran teachers highly skilled in the art of overhead projectors have long ago graduated from Teacher's College where technology in the classroom wasn't a very evolved concept. They've had no reason to learn the use of technology in the classroom and have learned to teach just fine without it. After all, it's really only in the past 10 years or so that technology in the classroom has been setting new precedents. Enter new BEd graduates who are learning that technology is an important tool that will help shape future students' education, but who themselves are barely trained in using it effectively themselves. Still, the new generation of teachers has at least had the privilege of growing up with electronics as part of their everyday lives, and so their learning curve is significantly smaller than veteran teachers nearing retirement.
![Picture](/uploads/2/1/0/7/21076630/6284448.png)
How to Bring All Teachers Into the Digital Age
As with all other significant changes in education, there is no simple answer to this dilemma. First and foremost, it's important to realize that changes must be made in such a way that all teachers, regardless of school board, geographical location, etc, are given the chance to implement what's necessary in order to give students everywhere in Ontario the chance to learn equally. Because available technology and teacher training may differ from one school to the next, it's only logical not to focus on rectifying the problem at the hardware level. After all, what good is it to have expensive electronics if the staff is unfamiliar with its use. Instead, changes should start at the human level and progress from there. Below are some suggestions to consider.
As with all other significant changes in education, there is no simple answer to this dilemma. First and foremost, it's important to realize that changes must be made in such a way that all teachers, regardless of school board, geographical location, etc, are given the chance to implement what's necessary in order to give students everywhere in Ontario the chance to learn equally. Because available technology and teacher training may differ from one school to the next, it's only logical not to focus on rectifying the problem at the hardware level. After all, what good is it to have expensive electronics if the staff is unfamiliar with its use. Instead, changes should start at the human level and progress from there. Below are some suggestions to consider.
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For more about principals' expectations re: teachers and tech, see an online article named Are Teachers of Tomorrow Prepared to Use Innovative Tech?
For more about Technology Resource Teachers, see an online article named Encouraging Teacher Technology Use.
For tips on effectively using electronics in school, see an online article named 12 Easy Ways to Use Technology in Your Classroom, Even for Technophobic Teachers.
For more about Technology Resource Teachers, see an online article named Encouraging Teacher Technology Use.
For tips on effectively using electronics in school, see an online article named 12 Easy Ways to Use Technology in Your Classroom, Even for Technophobic Teachers.