Embracing classroom technology - Research Paper Example

Embracing classroom technology Abstract In the modern society and global community, technology forms the basis of all the operations and activities. With every shift in technology, individuals feel obligated to embrace it. It is with great realism and concern that people have indulged in the process of technology advancement. Technological advancements are aimed at making work easier. A comparison to the ancient days, institutions and organizations has come from a distant far in terms of technology. Technology also aims at decreasing the levels of primitivism in individuals. This creates a more sensitive society. Incorporated technology in the society gives fort people with more creative mentalities. One of the most significant technology advancement is in education. The field has over the years become a center of innovation and technology advancement. These advancements mainly include infrastructure and learning tools (Pakhchyan, 2008). Additionally, easier curriculum is developed to help in the implementation of technology. Apart from the development of tangible items, the staff behind implementation and incorporation of technology should be undertaken through the required skills. It is with great interest and concern that tutors in institutions has embraced the changes in technology. Introduction One of the most significant technology changes in education institutions is the inclusion of IT infrastructure into the learning system. According to Reynolds (2008) IT has changed the performance of many kids to a level only possible by the inclusion of IT strategies. With institutions being based in the corporate world, technology is the only factor that keeps them at par with their competitors. In this paper focus will be dwelled on the strategies that incorporate teachers in the technology world. Additionally, it will also focus on the advantages of technological advancement in the classroom. It will also analyze the ability of a institution to come up with an action plan that sensitizes all teachers to embrace technology. To capture the attention of teachers on the importance of technology in the classroom, it is logic to outline the advantages of this venture (Pakhchyan, 2008). Firstly, technology helps to improve research. A tool for this activity is the computer. Research will help a student to come up with educational material from the internet. This also lessens the tutors’ duty to provide every bit of information to the students. A class exposed to lots information is in a more probable position to perform educationally than a class that does not include internet research. The student’s flourished performance increase the teacher’s morale to teach and embrace technology as the current trend in the learning system (Reynolds, 2008). A teacher may also benefit educational technology when dealing with testing and assessment. The modern school setting provides students with an institution website. From these websites tutor post assignments at their most convenient time and means. According to Arthur (2009) this greatly simplifies the process of giving assignments to students. Additionally, the assessment of the assignments can be easily done online due to the advancements. With the simplified mode of assessment and testing, all teachers may find it interesting and suitable to embrace the technological advancements in an institution. It is these great ideas and innovation steps that should be used to lure teachers to embrace technology. The fact that the teachers are also in the receiving end of its advantages, makes it more appealing to tutors. However, to motivate the tutors to incorporate the technology changes motivation plans should also be strategized (Egbert, 2008). The motivation plan should also include performance predictions in case of using current technologies. If a teacher is convinced and assured of better performance after embracing technology, they are in high probable position to advocate for technological advancements. In many instances there are some barriers that may tend to negative influence the teachers perception of using computers in the classroom. Firstly there is the gender factor. In a research by Reynolds (2011) female teachers exhibit less interest in computers as compared to their male counterparts. May female teachers view themselves as the lesser sex. They do not believe in that they have the ability to successfully use computers in classrooms. If this issue comes up in an organization, training of teachers would be the best solution. Training should be done to all teachers’ regardless gender and at the same time. This will improve the perception that female teachers are poor at handling computers (Pakhchyan, 2008) Self confidence may also hinder tutors from embracing technology in classrooms especially computers. With a modernized student population it is obvious that computer technology is not a new venture to them. These students are exposed to computers in every part of their lives. This makes them experts in handling and operating computers. With this knowledge tutors tend not to embarrass themselves in front of students (Egbert, 2008). Many teachers have poor computer skills which gives them a disadvantage when dealing with the modernized generation. With these perceptions, the institutions management should find a way of creating expert computer operators from the teaching staff. This will not only increase the confidence of the teachers but also the students will feel more comfortable working with a knowledgeable teacher. When coming up with a plan to ensure the embracement of technology in an institution, a working plan, implementing plan and an assessment plan should be developed. Working plan is what will have to be done by teachers in terms of technology. The implementing plan is how to incorporate technology in classrooms. The assessment plan is aimed at evaluating the results and knowing whether the plan is useful and appropriate. When drafting plan, two factors are of great importance; the tutors’ ability to use technology and acquiring the best tools to implement the use of technology in the institution. The improvement of computer skills in teachers is important (Reynolds, 2008). Training facilities and programs should be provided in the institutions. To aid in this venture there is the National for in-service professional development in teachers. The strategy is divided into two parts of training. The first part is aimed at introducing teachers to information and communication technologies. Additionally, it enables teachers to know how to handle microcomputer hardware in classrooms. The second part involves knowing the pedagogical handling of computers. The strategy provides both quality and quantity. According to Arthur (2009) if tutors are to develop quality computer skills and effectively use technology in classrooms training is the best option. Using the national curriculum in the training will create experts in the teaching staff (Reynolds, 2011). In literature by OECD (2011) a teacher with proper training on the use of technology will tend to have positive attitude towards the use of technology in classrooms. Teachers should also be trained on how to use technology in classrooms. This will increase their self confidence and improve reaching standards. The procurement of quality tools should also be considered. The tools will increase efficiency of learning. Additionally, it will keep the institution in a good advantage of acquiring national standards (Reynolds, 2008). It is advised that when acquiring the IT tools, proper consultation should be made. The consultation should be made by experts in the field. It is also advised that the procurement be done on contract bases. The contract should incorporate terms and conditions and the length of the contract. The responsibilities of each party are also stated. This promotes effective and quality product and service delivery since it is bounded by law. With quality advanced computers, a proper implementation plan and a trained teaching staff, recognizing technology in an institution should not be a problem. In finalizing the plan, there should be an assessment on the success of the plan. According to OECD (2011) measurement of success is best on performance and results. Additionally, the success of the plan will depend on how positively the teaching staff will perceive the plan. In terms of performance two parties should be considered, the teaching fraternity and the students. Teachers should be scrutinized on how well they use technology in classrooms. There should be a consideration of the attitude of teachers towards the new advances. This is crucial since teachers are the determinants on whether or not the implementation stage will be successful. In terms of students, the overall performance is used for assessment (Egbert, 2008).The results by the end of the term should indicate whether the plan is effective or not. The attitude of the students should also be assessed. The attitude towards the venture and the attitude towards the teachers should be considered. If the plan cannot reflect positively in the students’ results and attitude then a proper plan to incorporate technology in the institution should be drafted. Conclusion It is evident that proper training of a teacher will determine whether they are willing to embrace technology or not. Self confidence is usually the cause of shying off or denial by many teachers when it comes to using technology in classrooms. With rejuvenated self confidence and proper tools for teaching, all teachers will have a positive perception towards using technology in classrooms (Pakhchyan, 2008). References Arthur, W. (2009). The Nature of Technology. London: Simon and Schuster. Egbert, J. (2008). Supporting learning with technology. London: Prentice Hall. OECD, Joint Research Centre- European Commission (2011). Assessing the effects of ICT in education: criteria, indicators and benchmarking. Paris: Author. Pakhchyan, S. (2008). Fashioning Technology. New York: O'Reilly Media. Reynolds, G. (2008). Fundamentals of information technology. New York: Cengage Learning. ---------------- (2011). Ethics in Information Technology. New York: Cengage Learning. Read More