Integrating Technology into the Classroom: Eight Keys

Integrating Technology into the Classroom: Eight Keys to Success

Of all issues related to the successful use of technology in the classroom, the most important consideration is the teacher, yet the most over-looked. This is because the teacher is the main determinant of the skills and attitude towards technology use. According to Fullan (1982), change depends on what teachers think and do. The teacher being ultimately concerned with the classroom, it is important to consider him/her before including technology in the classroom. However, teachers find challenges such as difficulty learning how to use technology and lack of role models. As an intervention towards this challenge, the following areas have been developed by experts to help teachers integrate technology into classroom effectively. 

1. FEAR of change

2. TRAINING in basics

3. PERSONAL use

4. TEACHING models

5. LEARNING based

6. CLIMATE

7. MOTIVATION

8. SUPPORT

Changing fear, anxiety and concern exhibited by teachers may be difficult but there is need to help them change. This can be achieved by helping them to overcome these challenges. 

Training should also be made relevant so that teachers acquire relevant skills and understanding of the computer system, operation and directory structures. 

Personal productivity skills such as databases, spreadsheet, word processors, graphic programs and so forth can be used on a regular basis to instill interest, morale and motivation among teachers. Regular use of such skills reduces fear and also helps to make their work easier. Programs that feature on internet exploration and electronic communication are invaluable. These skills allow teachers to effectively integrate technology in the classroom. 

Technology should also be used in the classroom as one of the teaching models. This can be achieved by adopting the use of computer programs in different classroom lessons and sessions such as group instruction by applying computer use in different subject areas. For instance, Powerpoint can be used for group presentations. Programs that encourage problem solving such as Decisions and other skills should also be fostered. Therefore, teachers need to learn how to develop software so as to understand how to evaluate software and determine the right type for the specific learning outcomes. 

Use of technology in school should be geared towards learning. This alters the traditional learning paradigm of teaching and learning and equips learners with the relevant knowledge needed in the job market in the near future. Using technology in classroom also trains students to become all-rounded members of the society. 

There must be a climate that encourages teachers to learn the use of technology without the fear of failure. Through trial and error, they can discover many things related to technology. Whether they make errors in class or while alone, they should consider their errors a positive milestone in learning. It is therefore important that teachers be motivated to embrace errors without getting humiliated or frustrated. Eventually, they will achieve intrinsic motivation. In this case, both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations are important. It requires a combination of efforts between the trainers and administrators. Additionally, incentives like extra pay should be provided to teachers for increased motivation. Administrators should also be willing to participate in the change process. Ongoing and regular support should be provided to teachers both in the technical and curriculum area. For instance, technicians can help teachers when there is a problem that requires troubleshooting. Ongoing training on the use of software and hardware is also paramount. Students should also be involved in the training programs using all the resources available to foster change. 

Conclusion

The above stated keys should be considered with utmost seriousness. They require investment of different resources to be achieved. There is need to bring both teachers and planners together so as to achieve the process of infusing technology into the classroom.