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We live in an era where laptops, smartphones, and high internet speed are everywhere. In fact, after the pandemic in 2020, we learned how technology plays a vital role in today's daily activities. A significant advancement was made regarding education and teaching by creating many opportunities for every student to succeed in their academic journey. However, despite the vast potential of technology to transform learning, reality often falls short of expectations. Three years later, some teachers still teach using the traditional method. “Technology integration is complex and is made up of processes of interconnected activities” (Okojie et al., 2006). The question is why technology has not been fully integrated into today’s teaching practices.
Challenges Facing Technology in Education
One of the challenges because technology is not fully integrated into teaching is the lack of adequate training. Even before the pandemic, educators were not fully prepared to utilize technology in the classroom. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, education had to adapt to meet the student’s learning goals. Unfortunately, many teachers were unprepared to leverage technology effectively in the classroom. To this day, some teachers may lack the necessary digital literacy skills and struggle with integrating technology into their curriculum. Lawless and Pellegrino (2007) state, “The importance of technology in educational settings has also prompted various organizations, including those responsible for accrediting teacher-education programs, to develop technology-related standards” (p. 576). Educators now count on principles to guide them in effectively integrating technology. Having these standards does not mean they have the necessary training to assist students in developing new skills.
Another issue that may impede technology integration in the classroom is the unequal Access to technological equipment. Unfortunately, not all schools have the same Access to technology and the internet. The digital divide intensifies education inequalities, leaving students without Access to essential learning resources. Many students need more support and more things to keep up with their peers (TEDx Talks, 2012). Unfortunately, not all schools count on the same resources. This is when stakeholders come into place and should advocate for equal opportunities for every student. According to Obara et al. (2018), if we make devices readily available for use at home, set up Wi-Fi hotspots in areas that do not have much Access to the internet, and create programs that give students Access to technology after school, it could make a big difference.
Resistance to change is a common human trait, and educators are no exception. Some teachers may hesitate to incorporate technology into their teaching methods due to fear of the unknown or a preference for traditional teaching methods. “In addition to the teacher beliefs, teacher attitude, knowledge and skills are relating to the use of technology” (Obara et al., 2018). Suppose teachers are willing to understand that technology is becoming part of our daily lives. In that case, it will be easier for them to teach students new concepts and integrate technology into their lessons. The article “What It Means to Have Equitable Access to Technology for Today's Students & Educators” (n.d.) states, “Access to technology is more than just providing devices and connectivity to students. It also involves making sure every student has the opportunity to learn from a teacher who understands how to use technology.” Teachers should learn how to integrate technology to accommodate a variety of teaching styles and preferences, making it's effective use in education.
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It is easy to become attracted to the latest educational gadgets and software. Although, focusing too much on technology can lead to neglecting the pedagogical aspects of teaching and learning. Sometimes, technology is used in the classroom as a simple add-on rather than an integral part of the learning process. This approach can lead to narrow integration and limited benefits. “In order to foster cognitive growth, the instructor must create a learning experience that has a solid pedagogical foundation” (Hughes et al., 2018). Teachers should learn to incorporate technology into their teaching practices and understand the pedagogical rationale for using it. Technology equipment alone does not support academic success for students. There must be focused instruction behind it to support meaningful learning experiences.
Also, with technology integration comes concerns about student data privacy and cybersecurity. Schools must navigate complex regulations and protect sensitive information. According to TEDx Talks (2016), comprehensive policies and guidelines are essential to protect students' privacy. Integrating technology is more challenging than it seems. As anything with great power, great responsibility comes with it. Concerns about data and privacy come back to the issue of educators and staff needing more training to utilize technology and their teaching practices. Schools and technology providers must prioritize this challenge to ensure everyone gets the same opportunity to integrate technology without being overshadowed by the risks.
Tips For Educators and Administrators
Crystal Browning (2016) provides 5 tips educators can integrate technology in the classroom:
1. Create clear instructions
2. Recruit student tech support
3. Get up and move
4. Engage their interests
5. Create a professional online community
More Tips for Teachers:
Invest time in learning how to use educational technology tools effectively. Seek professional development opportunities and collaborate with tech-savvy colleagues.
Align technology with learning objectives. Ensure that it enhances the learning experience rather than being a distraction or a superficial addition.
Prioritize pedagogy over technology. Use technology to enhance teaching and learning, not as an end.
Tip for Administrators:
Administrators must set aside time and resources to support educators in enhancing their abilities in integrating technology (Hughes et al., 2018).
Advocate for increased funding to improve infrastructure and ensure all students can access technology. Explore partnerships with organizations that provide technology resources to underprivileged schools.
Implement a change management strategy with clear communication, training, and support. Encourage a culture of innovation and experimentation within the school.
Develop robust data protection policies and provide training to staff on best practices for maintaining digital security. Collaborate with experts in the field to stay updated on evolving threats and solutions.
Final thoughts
As we adapt to new learning methods, technological integration in education remains a continuing challenge due to various factors. Using technology in education has faced many difficulties (TEDx Talks, 2016). However, by addressing these challenges, teachers and administrators can work together to create a more technologically advanced and equitable educational environment. As we navigate the digital age, it is crucial to understand that technology enhances the learning experience and provides students with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The article “What It Means to Have Equitable Access to Technology for Today's Students & Educators” (n.d.) states, “Technology can empower students and enhance their learning. It also increases the number of opportunities they are exposed to”. Technology is here to stay. As a future educator, I must be prepared to learn the correct practices to integrate technology into my teaching and ensure students understand how to use technology to benefit them in the atmosphere outside the classroom.
Additional Resources
References
Browning, C. (2016, September 22). 5 classroom management tips for technology integration. KQED. https://www.kqed.org/education/280608/5-classroom-management-
tips-for-technology-integration
Equitable Access to Technology for Students & and Educators: Go Guardian. RSS. (n.d.). https://www.goguardian.com/blog/equitable-access-to-technology
Hughes, E. S., Bradford, J., & Likens, C. (2018). Facilitating collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills in physical therapy education through technology-enhanced instruction: A case study. TechTrends, 62(3), 296-302.
Lawless, K. A., & Pellegrino, J. W. (2007). Professional development in integrating technology into teaching and learning: Knowns, unknowns, and ways to pursue better questions and answers. Review of educational research, 77(4), 575-614.
Obara, S., Nie, B., & Simmons, J. (2018). Teachers’ Conceptions of Technology, School Policy and Teachers’ Roles When Using Technology in Instruction. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education.
Okojie, M. C. P. O., Olinzock, A. A., & Okojie-Boulder, T. C. (2006). The Pedagogy of Technology Integration.Journal of Technology Studies, 32(2), 66–71.The ISTE standards. (n.d.). https://www.iste.org/iste-standards
TEDx Talks. (2012, August 1). The Importance of Technology Education at the Elementary Level: Kasey Dirnberger at TEDxMCPSTeachers. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz5JnjByXh4
TEDx Talks. (2016, March 28). Redefining Learning & Teaching using Technology. | Jason Brown | TEDxNorwichED. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=AOTEQVYDPpg
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