How to Avoid Technophobia in the Classroom
Moving Beyond the Idea to Full Integration of Technology
May 4, 2009
Are you technophobic? Many teachers, as well as many people in society today, are afraid to use technology. This is primarily due to not fully understanding how computer technology works, along with not understanding how to effectively integrate technology in their work. Every teacher wants to use the best tools to help students learn, and technology integration requires long-term staff development time.
Technology integration can be challenging at times, especially on those days when technology glitches occur. In many cases these are small glitches, which for experienced technology users are not a problem; however, for novice users, they can be insurmountable. As with all teaching strategies and techniques there are bumps along the way, which are always overcome with experience.
Many a teacher as moved beyond an idea to full or partial technology integration. They all needed help and support to get where they are today. One thing to remember is that support can come from many surprising places and keeping and open mind is critical to success in overcoming technophobia. The following tips are based on bumps in the road and technology glitches that appeared at inopportune times.
Ask for Help to Avoid Technophobia
There is always someone available in a school to offer technological help. Every school has several technology savvy teachers today. Some schools even have on-site technology integration specialists or coaches. Do not be afraid to ask for help, because this leads to a better understanding. Just like teachers tell their students every day, there is no such thing as a dumb question.
Learn Technology from Students
This does not lead to students thinking their teachers are not in control of the classroom. Students love it when they can share their knowledge with others, especially their teacher. Many a teacher has learned new strategies and techniques from students. Students can also act as technology mentors to other students in the classroom.
Web 2.0 Technology Integration One Step at a Time
Begin with Twitter to communicate with other teachers and let students communicate with other students in simple projects. Then move to a Google Docs for allowing students to collaborate on writing projects, presentations, spreadsheets, and developing forms for collecting information. These two technology tools can be used in any type of classroom project in connection with each other. Next year or later in the school year, begin to integrate a Wiki or blog in your curriculum.
Define Classroom Projects Using Technology Clearly
This is critical point to ensure that students do not go astray. Provide students with a rubric which clearly defines project expectations, which also provides indirect communication with parents about the project. On many occasions, project and technology issues are merely a result of misinformation, which the use of rubrics resolves. The key is to be specific, however, leaving room for student inquiry.
Allow Students Freedom under a Watchful Eye
Become a coach, mentor, and guide for your students. Watch them, learn from them, and keep them on track. Teachers’ responsibilities are not relinquished and they sometimes have to lay down the law; however, this becomes less of a problem as students learn to learn using technology. Let the students explore, create, and develop a better understanding of the concepts they are learning.
Making Connections with Technology
Problem Based Learning (PBL) presents opportunities for teachers to integrate technology in the most content areas. PBL integrates common resources for students to collaborate as they solve challenging problems. This strategy allows teachers to move slowly, seek help when needed, and allow students the freedom to be creative. Along the way teachers are coaches, maintain a watchful eye, and learn from the students.
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