Journal 5: Over Coming Technological Barriers

Boss, Susie (8/6/08). Overcoming Technological Barriers. Edutopia, from http://edutopia.org

This article by Susie Boss talks about many of the barriers teachers face with using technology in the classroom she gives a list of some possible solutions.
1. Innovate tools you already have. Teachers can use technology they already have in the classroom such as Microsoft Office and Web browsers this helps have connections between tools the class already has.
2. Seek Out Free, Easy-to-Use Digital Resources. These things can be collaborative documents or projects such as google docs or photo sharing. These programs are available on the web for free and help students work collaboratively together.
3. Overcome Your Fear of the Unknown. Some suggestions to get teachers to overcome their fear of technology is to give teachers time during the day to work together on programs. Teachers can work in small groups to work together and share ideas. This helps build study groups and buddy systems to support one another with the learning process.
4. Start With Small, Fast Projects That Enhance Learning. These are things like Internet games and learning activities based on classroom lesson plans. These are small projects that can be used as the foundation of computer literacy.
5. Learn With your Students. Don’t be afraid to try new things in the classroom. Professional development can be embedded into the classroom curriculum. Ask for student feed back this is the best way to see what works and what doesn’t or where modifications can be made.
Q: Why is there still so much resistance?
A: I’m not sure if it’s resistance or lack of time. Teachers seem overwhelmed with lack of funding and constant testing standards. Many teacher are not allowed to bring in supplemental material even if they found extra time in the day. I think we are on the verge of educational reform and I hope to see technology included in that.
Q: In what ways has this class enabled me to over come technological barriers in the classroom?
A: This class has been useful primarily by exposing me to so many free resources. The Socialbookmarking will be key to my lesson designs. I wish that professional development of this level could exist in every school. That seems to be a problem in many district is the quality of professional development. Even if there was a site or grade level representative to attend classes like ed 422 the outcome would be amazing. This class has made me excited in new ways for teaching with technology.