Motivated to Integrate Technology

Many teachers are reluctant to integrate technology because they are so unfamiliar with what all they can accomplish.  The teachers on my campus have repeatedly stated that they “just aren’t technology people.”  My question is how are they going to become “technology people” unless they start playing around with the technology that is available to them?  How can we motivate these teachers to become more technologically advanced?  The McREL Technology Initiative (MTI) reports that teachers are more motivated to continue to seek ways to integrate technology when the teacher feels comfortable with the technology and creates their own instructional projects. (Pitler, pg 4).   If the technology is made available, should administrators require teachers to complete technology projects?  Even beginners benefit from a project-based, hands-on approach. 

The problem facing most classroom teachers is the lack of time.  Learning to use technology in instruction is almost like learning a whole new curriculum.  It takes time and effort, usually in addition to the time already required from them.  If meaningful incentives are provided teachers may become more motivated to take the time to learn and create their own projects.  The teachers that have taken the time to learn and implement technology in their instruction have reported enhanced student learning and a significant increase in student-centered group based projects (Pitler, pg 33).  If student-centered learning is our objective, wouldn’t this be a good step in the right direction?

Citation:

McREL Technology Initiative: The Development of a Technology Intervention Program Final Report 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.