I kept hearing some teachers say that technology was "one more thing." Whenever I receive a hurdle or roadblock to technology integration I make it my personal mission to find a solution to that hurdle. Therefore, my question became, "What is the solution to teachers feeling that using technology in their classroom is a burden instead of a valuable instructional tool?"
My first reaction was to focus on potential problems with the technology itself - access, classroom management, troubleshooting, etc. But then... I had an epiphany. I realized that I don't think the solution lies with the technology itself. I think the solution lies with HOW the technology is being used in the classroom.
Let me explain myself. This theory came in large part to working with the SAMR model. I will make sure to create a post sometime soon regarding the SAMR model, but if you are not familiar please, please, please watch this video:
My theory is that if instructional use of technology remains at the “substitution” level (and maybe even the augmentation level), schools/teachers are never going to see the true benefit of technology and how it can transform the learning process for students. Substitution doesn't change the learning environment all that much; technology is being used in the same way as pencil, paper, and other non-tech instructional tools that have been used for years (I am not devaluing these tools and strategies but noting that technology shouldn't be used as a substitute). Substitution might add a small engagement factor for students but no big, awesome changes. This is when teachers may begin to view the technology as a burden and "one more thing". Well, of course they see it as "one more thing" because it has become one more thing... learning for their students hasn't changed. Why wouldn't they teach the way they have always taught - without technology? The same result is being produced and comfort lies with the non-tech instructional options.
I believe what we have to do is change the WAY we teach to truly see the value of technology. If we move to the redefinition level of the SAMR model, technology allows us to do things we have never been able to do before (and will never be able to do without using technology). If technology is used to transform the learning process there is no way it can become "one more thing." Instead, technology becomes a crucial, irreplaceable instructional tool. If this happens, teachers won't be able to teach without technology.
I know some will disagree with me and say "No, my roadblock to technology integration is my lack of access, limited bandwidth or wireless connectivity, etc." I agree that this can be frustrating and can get in the way. However, I have seen some of the most amazing technology integration that truly improves student achievement occur in schools that have (what I consider) some of the worst technology access. I think if educators see the power of technology, they will find ways to work around technology access issues. Although they shouldn't have to, but we won't get into that today. :)
I tested my theory on the MSU FACS methods class a few weeks ago (thank you :)). I asked them to brainstorm the following question: "Why don’t teachers use/find value in using technology?"
They came up with this amazing list of "hurdles" to technology integration (and yes we used a non-tech option of the good ole' whiteboard):
After creating this list, I presented my theory to the MSU students. We were able to rule out basically every hurdle on the list by implementing this theory. For example, if technology is used to teach differently, then community members, board members, administrators, etc. will see technology has an irreplaceable tool = they find value in funding technology = increased technology access.
In conclusion, I believe that technology can't be an instructional add-on or afterthought. If this happens the true power of technology for learning will never be reached. Technology needs to be seamlessly integrated into instruction like any other instructional tool. In order to reach this goal, technology needs to be used in a way that reaches the top of the SAMR model and redefines learning. So, how do we do this? In my next few posts, I will explore potential strategies for reaching this goal.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree with my theory? Do you have anything to add or change?
