Barriers to effective use of technology in education

A lot of schools I have seen over the last few years have an extensive list of resources. The majority of schools these days will have computer access, often with internet capabilities and a variety of programs, while most schools have access to more sophisticated devices such as tablets. Whichever the case, most schools allow learners access to these technologies, however, some schools may not be using them to actually teach in an effective or engaging way. I myself have been fortunate enough to visit a few Schools in the South Wales area on teaching placement and have seen examples of effective use of technology, as well as no use at all.

Ramey (2013) suggest a few possibilities as to what the barriers to teaching using technology could be as ‘Resistance to change’ and ‘Lack of professional development’. in many schools teachers often unprepared to integrate technology in their own lessons as they are in facilities with little or no preparation or training. This is both unfortunate for the teachers and for the learners themselves, as mobile technology is a powerful tool to have at your disposal within the classroom. Many teachers who do not feel confident with mobile technology often fear it within their own practice. Many teacher fear the early stages of using mobile technology for many reasons, one of which will be the dependancy from the learners, particularly if they are new to a particular device such as a tablet. Ramey (2013) argues that most teachers fear that the learners will demand assistance with devices that they themselves may a novice. However, it is important to keep in mind the end result, in that to begin with it is true that learners will demand help and this will be tasking on the teachers skills and time, however, over time, the learners will become more confident and self-dependant, thus making the workload lighter, and the lessons more exciting and motivating.  

The other main factor seems to be that teachers are not ready to let of of the traditional styles of teaching (Jones, 2012). This is certainly true of the Schools I have visited in the past. Teachers have countless teaching resources available with little or no motivation to progress past using PowerPoint presentations. In my experience I have seen schools with interactive whiteboards which have been used solely to display images controlled via the computer. My experience comes from a key stage 3 and key stage 4 Music environment, where the School was equipped with various types of mobile technology (such as tablets), yet the Teachers were reluctant to introduce any to the lesson. The School in question had a higher level of difficulties than most with regards to learner engagement within the classroom, and lack of motivation throughout. It is my own opinion that after having read a number of reports, studies and articles on mobile technology in the classroom, adapting such ideas into their teaching could possibly result in some of these issues being resolves. Mobile technology makes the lessons more engaging for both the learners and the Teachers, often resulting in a heightened level of motivation (West, 2013). Schools such as the example above could see significant improvements in such areas, but only if the Teachers themselves are prepared to embrace the wonders of Technology and see them as a learning tool, not a replacement or a threat to their current Teaching practice. Teaching has never seen such leaps in the development as it has in the last few decades with the addition of new and emerging technology, all of which, when embraced and used properly, can become vital assets to the future of the education profession. 

References 

Ramey, K. (2013). Barriers to the effective uses of technology in education . Available: http://www.useoftechnology.com/barriers-effective-technology-education/. Last accessed 17th Nov 2014

Jones, J. (2014). iPads in the classroom. Available: http://www.bbcactive.com/BBCActiveIdeasandResources/iPadsintheClassroom.aspx. Last accessed 17th Nov 2014.

West, D. (2013). Mobile Learning: Transforming Education, Engaging Students, and Improving Outcomes. Available: http://www.brookings.edu/research/papers/2013/09/17-mobile-learning-education-engaging-students-west. Last accessed 17th Nov 2014.

Image: http://tutoringservice.ca/blog/2013/02/19/teaching-with-technology-10-amazing-resources-to-integrate-into-your-classroom/