Perspectives to Barriers of Technology Integration

 

Teacher Perspective

Teachers’ negative opinions of technology integration are brought on by cost, lack of time, training, support, and resources. The use of technology in the classroom necessitates planning, good classroom management techniques, and attention that is not typically given to digital citizenship lessons. Hence, teachers would rather keep teaching simple by maintaining the current system. According to research, offering teachers opportunities for professional development relating to using technology in the classroom does not result in increased levels of integration (Harrell & Bynum, 2018).

Positive perceptions of technology integration included increased engagement, motivation, attitude, and understanding by the students. Hence, when all these elements were considered, school attendance and academic achievement greatly improved (Carver, 2016).

Student Perspective

As a digital native, familiar with digital systems, and using technology to solve problems, digital devices for each student are crucial to improving students’ perception of the classroom setting. Given that today's digital natives rely on graphics for communication, wireless display and dual screens for students were essential for teaching, sharing learning outcomes, and teamwork, (Yang et al., 2017).

In schools where there is a 1:1 student-to-computer ratio, the majority of students' access to technology doesn't mean that each student has a personal device; rather, it implies that students share computer labs or classroom areas. Although students desire to use technology more in the classroom, the tools simply aren't there. (Harrell & Bynum, 2018).

Parent Perspective

Parents believe that the use of technology and hands-on learning in the classroom should be balanced. Many people think that educators are substituting technology for solid practices in the classroom. Parents worry that as a result of the growing technology integration, their children would have less developed social skills and poorer information retention than earlier students. Many people are concerned that young children are being exposed to technology too early because technology integration is starting sooner and earlier in most districts. Concerns about screen time and monitoring student technology use have been voiced by parents with good reason (Maxwell et al., 2020).

Employee Perspective

Technology is everywhere in today's workplace. Employees view technology as instruments for conducting business and as a social process for transforming input into output and achieving organizational goals. Organizations encounter obstacles such as rapid improvements in technology, in addition to many of the previously mentioned obstacles such as lack of Wi-Fi, electricity, and resources (Joshua-Gojer et al., 2015).

Conclusion

All of the aforementioned impressions have my complete agreement. All of the same obstacles existed for me as a teacher, with the exception of the internal obstacle of self-efficacy. I would have included technology into the classroom if I had the opportunity, knowledge, and resources most critically needed. I would have loved technological integration in the classroom as a student, but while I was in school, all we had were projectors, pencils, paper, and teachers. As a parent, I want my kids to learn in a classroom that incorporates technology. If we want kids to be prepared for the future, they shouldn't study in the same way that individuals learned 20 years ago. Last but not least, as a staff member attempting to assist students with filling out electronic applications, Wi-Fi connectivity, outdated payment methods, and resource limitations have been challenges that we continue to work around.

Solutions for Barriers of Technology Integration

• Solar Panels for lower energy consumption.
• Fundraising for resources.
• Instruction Technology Specialist who support teachers.
• Bring your own mobile device, so students can have an actual 1-to-1 ratio.
• Transparency with parents, so they can feel confident about how technology is being integrated in the classroom.
• Invite parents to attend workshops and orientation in order to provide them with information on how technological devices or programs should be used.
• Advise on the importance of technology to your organization’s goals.
• Create surveys to gain different perspectives of the technology in the workplace.

 

Resources

Carver, L. B. (2016, January). Teacher perception of barriers and benefits in K-12 technology usage - ed. ERIC. Retrieved June 29, 2022, from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1086185.pdf

Harrell, S., & Bynum, Y. (2018). Factors affecting technology integration in the classroom. ERIC. Retrieved June 30, 2022, from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1194723.pdf

Joshua-Gojer, A. E., Allen, J. M., & Gavrilova-Aguilar, M. (2015). Technology Integration in Work Settings. Word Press. Retrieved June 30, 2022, from https://sageprofessor.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/technology-integration-in-work-settings.pdf

Maxwell, J. C., Kamp, J., & Cullen, T. (2020, November 30). Parent perceptions of technology use in K-12 classrooms. SRATE Journal. Retrieved June 29, 2022, from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1306218

Yang, J., Yu, H., Gong, C., & Chen, N.-S. (2017). Students’Perceptions and Behaviour in Technology Rich Classroom and ... EURASIA Journal of Mathematics Science and Technology Education. Retrieved June 30, 2022, from https://www.ejmste.com/download/students-perceptions-and-behaviour-in-technology-rich-classroom-and-multi-media-classroom-4683.pdf

Open Educational Resources (OER) as an Emerging Technology

Definition of Open-Educational Resources (OER)

OERs are education materials that are “born digital” and openly licensed and freely available to retain, reuse, revise, remix, and redistribute, also known as the 5Rs. Resources include workbooks, textbooks, pictures, lessons, syllabi and much more (EDUCAUSE, 2021).

Advantages

OERs are an affordable alternative to the expensive textbooks. Textbooks have always been high-priced. Students have a problem affording higher education and textbook costs can have negative impacts on students' success. Some of these effects include poor grades and dropped or failed courses because they could not afford to buy the book or the online program. When teachers use OER for their courses text material, it removes the barriers of expensive textbooks, thereby improving retention and student success (EDUCAUSE, 2021). Another benefit is that OERs create equality for students of different socioeconomic status. Also, because OERs are digital, information can be updated quickly (EDUCAUSE, 2021).

Barriers

According to the Horizon Report (2021), “While there has been a modest uptake, a constraint may be copyright legislation, whereby employers (i.e., universities) own the copyright for employees’ works. Another hurdle leading to the low rate of OER adoption is higher education signing up to publisher programs that provide students with exclusive access to material (EDUCAUSE, 2021).

Open Educational Resources (OER) Sites

Open Educational Resources (OER) | EDUCAUSE

Open Textbook Library (umn.edu)

OpenStax Homepage - OpenStax

When we share, everyone wins - Creative Commons

 

Resources

EDUCAUSE. (2021). 2021 Educause Horizon Report: Teaching and learning edition. EDUCAUSE. Retrieved June 26, 2022, from https://library.educause.edu/-/media/files/library/2021/4/2021hrteachinglearning.pdf?la=en&hash=C9DEC12398593F297CC634409DFF4B8C5A60B36E

Barriers that Impede Technology Integration in Education

 

Technology is everywhere and we use it in a variety of ways. So why is it so hard to incorporate technology into a classroom setting? Here are some of the barriers that interrupt the use of technology in the classroom in no particular order.

Educator Discomfort

One challenge that educators may have with technology in the classroom is the idea of being disconnected from their students. Some educators may feel as though they are losing their identity as the Web 1.0 classroom teacher they are used to being (Seilhamer et al., 2018). 

Educators are afraid of accidentally jeopardizing students’ privacy, which can result in safety concerns for students and employment consequences.

Educators who are considered digital immigrants may need help with digital literacy. Their discomfort can lead to frustration, which then transfers to the students and causes them to be frustrated (Hughes et al., 2018).

Environment

The environment may affect technology in the classroom due to inadequate Wi-Fi and space. Some schools must share a computer lab. This issue means that each teacher has a specific time during one day of the week to use the lab for about one hour. How effective is that?

Lack of Money, Resources, and Time

Educators already do not have time to spare. They have to teach, grade, make lesson plans, make copies of worksheets, take care of recess or lunch duties. When will they have time to set up a virtual platform that caters to all twenty-two plus students? Not all schools have the money to supply every student with a mobile or technological device. One may think that the solution to this problem is to have students bring their own mobile devices but mobile devices are not equal. While some students may have unlimited data, some may not. Also, thinking about the elementary level, many students do not own a mobile device at this age.

Parents and Safety Concerns

This section pertains to the use of social media in the classroom. Some parents do not allow their child to participate on social media outside of the classroom. Hence, getting permission for students to use social media in the classroom can be a challenge. There are privacy concerns for student information. Concerns about cyber bullying and improper use can become a problem if digital citizenship and expectations are not explained.

Ideas for Integrating Technology into a Classroom Setting

• First, teach digital citizenship and set expectations.
• Use videos as a hook for a lesson.
• Play educational games as a brain break.
• Create a classroom blog.
• Start with something simple such as a Twitter message board for parents and students.
• Know the rules and laws about students’ private information.
• Talk to administrators about professional development to encourage technology in the classroom.
• Help educators to understand that technology integrated into education for the correct purposes can enhance the three C’s, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking (Hughes et al., 2018).

 

 Resources

Earls, K. (2020, December 21). Want to use social media in your classroom? follow these 7 rules (opinion). Education Week. Retrieved February 1, 2022, from https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-want-to-use-social-media-in-your-classroom-follow-these-7-rules/2018/09

 Hughes, S., Bradford, J., & Likens, C. (2018, February). Facilitating collaboration, communication, and Critical Thinking Skills ... Research Gate. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323450473_Facilitating_Collaboration_Communication_and_Critical_Thinking_Skills_in_Physical_Therapy_Education_through_Technology-Enhanced_Instruction_A_Case_Study

Seilhamer, R., Chen, B., Bauer, S., Salter, A., & Bennett, L. (2018, April 23). Changing Mobile Learning Practices: A Multiyear Study 2012–2016. EDUCAUSE Review. Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://er.educause.edu/articles/2018/4/changing-mobile-learning-practices-a-multiyear-study-2012-2016

Investigating Istation's Learning Environment

 

Learning Environment

Istation is a digital online program that provides blended learning for reading, math, and Spanish. It provides seven elements to help students grow. The seven elements are formative assessment activities that are similar to games. Adaptive Curriculum that adjusts to the students’ needs and capabilities. Personalized data profiles to guide teachers in choosing appropriate intervention strategies. Teacher Resources that help educators customize learning for individual students, small groups, or whole groups with the use of interactive tools, assignments, and scripted lessons. School-to-home connection offers 24-7 access to the program. Professional development supported by experts and technology and finally, proven results of greater benefits for students using the Istation program (Istation, 2022).

Cognitive Presence

Istation promotes cognitive presence as it presents academic content in activities such as games with engaging animations to keep students motivated. The adaptive curriculum can keep students engaged by meeting the students needs academically rather than a one size fits all approach where some students may get bored or frustrated and lose interest.

Teacher Presence

Istation’s environment facilitates teacher presence by gathering personalized data of the students. With personalized data, teachers can group students heterogeneously and homogeneously for the purposes of small group instruction and center time. Each student’s summation handout has the details about the student’s usage, performance, reading or math grade equivalency so that the teacher can select appropriate reading/math material for the students to target specific skills (Istation, 2022).

Social Presence

Istation does not promote social presence with online peers or teacher. Istation provides lessons that teachers may use in the classroom that may promote face-to-face social presence but not online social presence. Most of Istation’s lessons are digital lessons adapted for each individual. The lessons are repetitive and drill like.

Glows

In my opinion, the highlight of Istation is that it has an adaptive curriculum that differentiates lessons for each student’s curriculum. Another valuable element of Istation is that teachers can obtain personalized data for the purposes of monitoring learning and guiding their instruction.

Grows

The weakness of Istation is its online social presence. It fails to create a community of online learners. Students learn independently of each other when they are completing their adaptive lessons. Hence, most of the students learning is coming from drill and practice instead of dialoguing and interacting with others.

References

Istation. (2022). Retrieved June 21, 2022, from https://www.istation.com/