Hew, K., & Brush, T. (2007). Integrating technology into K-12 teaching and learning: Current knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research. Educational Technology Research & Development, 55(3), 223-252. doi:10.1007/s11423-006-9022-5.
Abstract:
Although research studies in education show that use of technology can help student learning, its use is generally affected by certain barriers. In this paper, we first identify the general barriers typically faced by K-12 schools, both in the United States as well as other countries, when integrating technology into the curriculum for instructional purposes, namely: (a) resources, (b) institution, (c) subject culture, (d) attitudes and beliefs, (e) knowledge and skills, and (f) assessment. We then describe the strategies to overcome such barriers: (a) having a shared vision and technology integration plan, (b) overcoming the scarcity of resources, (c) changing attitudes and beliefs, (d) conducting professional development, and (e) reconsidering assessments. Finally, we identify several current knowledge gaps pertaining to the barriers and strategies of technology integration, and offer pertinent recommendations for future research.
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Discussion Questions:
1. After reading, Hew & Brush, what do you consider the most prevelant barriers to effective student learning in computer labs or in-classroom computers? What strategies were suggested to overcome these barriers?
2. Do you feel those strategies would be effective? Are they implementable, why or why not
3. As a teacher (or soon to be teacher), what barriers would you put in place to ensure effective student learning?
2. Do you feel those strategies would be effective? Are they able to be implemented , why or why not?
ReplyDeleteI think many of the strategies to overcome the technology integration barriers go hand in hand. Increasing professional development would help the faculty develop an integration plan and establish a vision and goals for the school. Teachers could be encouraged and assisted in developing their own vision and goals based on their current knowledge and technological abilities. If everyone on the staff was on the same page and had clearly established goals to work towards then attitudes could be changed about technology integration. Also, the school would have to work together as a whole to change assessments (maybe even beyond just the school.) I’m not sure that the scarcity of resources can be overcome unless teachers get creative but that will probably always be a difficult barrier.
3. As a teacher (or soon to be teacher), what strategies would you put in place to ensure effective student learning?
Ideally as a teacher (or maybe an administrator) I would establish a technology integration leadership team who would be the “experts” in assisting the school make these transitions. I would ask these people to aid others in establishing and achieving their goals. I feel that if the school took a divide and conquer approach then overcoming limited resources might be a little easier. If money was not an issue I would hire someone with the sole intention of assisting teachers in integrating technology into their lesson plans. I would chose to do this because as a teacher I’ve wanted to use technology so much more but finding the time to chose what is right or explore what is available is very difficult and that is frustrating. I think having a technology integration consultant would be beneficial to teachers and likewise students. Teachers can learn from their students as well since in these times it seems like kids are born with laptops, cell phones, ipods and their own Facebook page. Students might have some great suggestions!