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
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