TP #1: Empowering Teachers with Technology

The report suggests the use of technologies that are becoming the norm in many schools around the world. It is still difficult for some institutions to give their general acceptance for the use of certain technologies since these initially begin at a small scale and may end up stalling due to lack of support. That said, one of the problems presented in the adoption of new technologies is related to the high costs of tools like interactive whiteboards, mobile hand-held devices and laptops. In addition, it is hard to ask teachers to use new technologies when booking these limited resources turns out to be a nightmare. Tools ought to be readily available whenever teachers require them.

Most of the problems observed after the acquisition of high-end technology tools are related to the poor teacher training and support provided by the school administration in order to integrate these tools into the curriculum. In addition, teachers need to feel in control of the resources so that they can plan their lessons accordingly. They must know exactly how much time it takes them to set up a class, work and pack all the materials used before their lessons end.

Additionally, the use of new technologies brings changes in the ways teacher work. This may somewhat discomforting for many who have prepared their lessons in particular ways. Therefore, it is important to help teachers find good reasons for making such a shift. For instance, there is a general feeling amongst teachers that the incorporation of online activities brings forth more work. The fact that teachers are not just available in schools but also from home may not receive general acceptance. For this reason, it is essential to set clear parameters and procedures for the work being undertaken by the teachers. It is also important to encourage all teachers to follow the standard practices in order to avoid comparisons. This is only possible when educational institutions provide clear guidelines of what teachers are expected to do. In general, the adoption of new technologies requires institutions to be tolerant to the speeds at which teachers embrace changes in their pedagogical practice. Hence, adequate guidance needs to be provided to allow slow learners or those reluctant to change to understand the benefits of the tools in their day-to-day work.

Certain technologies are openly and widely used by students outside the school settings, enabling them to stay tuned in their social environment. The use of tools like mobile phones in education have not reached great acceptance due to the limited applications offered in education. Teachers are not dedicating time to experimenting with the design of new educational activities with mobile devices because they are concentrated on complying with the demands of a rigid curriculum. The other side of this is that they don't know how to do it. Hence, they need specialized people to help them understand the virtues of mobile technology. This may be true for any other tool that has not been mentioned in this post.