Teaching+With+Technology+Week+4

=Teaching With Technology Week 4=

Reading
"Simply putting computers in schools does not mean effective technology integration has occurred. Teachers must see the connection between new hardware and software and their educational applications in the classroom. Furthermore, professional development efforts will be undermined if the computers or infrastructure are not adequately supported. When there are problems with hardware or software, they should be corrected quickly and, if possible, without interruption to the teaching and learning process (Ringstaff & Kelley, 2002; Fabry & Higgs, 1997)."

I think this is a very appropriate quote. Just providing the hardware does not mean teacher's are integrating technology. You can put the best computers and software in the classrooms but if support both professional development and equipment integration is not going to be successful. The equipment and infrastructure should be maintained so that it is not a hassle to access and use. Most teachers are not technologically inclined to troubleshoot. So, if the equipment is difficult and faulty, teachers are going to shy away from using it in their classroom. The same goes with professional development and support. The professional development support should be ongoing. Technology Integration Specialist should actively be providing resources and training for the teachers. The quote also refers to time. I think time is a major issue too. At my campus, there is one computer lab to share for the three grade levels. Although the campus has less than 300 students, access to the computer lab takes planning. Teachers have to reserve the lab several weeks in advance. If teachers plan that far ahead and then have difficulties, they are less likely to incorporate it in their lessons. I feel technicians should act quickly to resolve the problems. The longer equipment is down and unable to access, teachers are likely to get discourage and aggravated because of time lost due to technology problems.

Pitler, H. (2005). McRel technology initiative: The development of a technology intervention program final report (Contract Number ED-01-CO-0006). Aurora, CO: Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED486685) Retrieved from []