My school is among the fortunate to have at least 33 computers at my school in the computer lab. This does not include the odd ten-twelve others which lie idle in other parts of the school. Yes I did say computer room (with internet access) - ours is one of the most modern structures of any primary school on the island; having been completed, outfitted and occupied early in 2005.
There are ramps for the physically disabled, a diagnostic testing room, fully outfitted library, whiteboards in classrooms, multimedia projector and e-beam. All of the physical resources are in place to ensure that the school becomes a moving one (Stoll, 1999).
Despite the apparent predisposition of today’s students toward a different approach to teaching/ learning, there are several other factors which hinder improvement in student outcome. These are:
• The resistance to change (by teachers and administrators)
• Administrative decision making without consultation
• Lack of planning and foresight
• Non- involvement of parents and other stake holders
• Lack of professional development
Unless teachers and the administrator of the school are prepared to embrace technology and to receive the relevant training, many of our schools and the students within their walls will continue to be labeled as “failing”. These are some of the challenges reading specialists must attend to at the end of our training. How do we break the barrier and encourage the use of technology and New Literacies in the teaching of Reading?
Please feel free to share your ideas.
Wow, what a seemingly ideal learning environment. You have identified some real challenges for the Reading Specialist. Well, communication is supposed to be the key. When their is resistance to change one of the reasons can be ignorance, jus not being aware of the tremendous benefits. The solution in that case can be workshop sessions and meetings with parents to inveigle them to buy into the idea.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the question is what to do when there is no shortage of information but they are just plain stubborn to change? This is a tough one because of our culture. In America, when schools don't perform,I have heard, schools are shut down or given a warning. Of course, I don't see us reaching those extremes. As a teacher, one would feel powerless because with all your good intentions, you can do nothing if you have no access to the technology.
This is where intervention from higher up at administrative level must find ways of encouraging principals and supervisors to ensure that the children are exposed to the technology. So, maybe, in a diplomatic way, we may have to appeal to the higher authorities to do something generally. We don't want them to think that you are targeting your school. After all, if you are found out then relationships may become strained.
But for now, at our level in school, we probably have to continue lobbying and continuously trying to show the benefits and hoping that one day they see the light.
Maybe you can also start by using a personal laptop in the classroom, exposing your students to it and see if, done after a period of time, this would have any impact on the other teachers as they see the effect on the children.You may be like a voice crying in the wilderness but I am sure that someone would hear your cry and respond.
Roxanne
ReplyDeleteI share your concerns about the fact that teachers must be willing to step out of their traditional comfort zone and become change agents, if our students are to be prepared to function in today's technological global village. It is ironical that, in spite of all the computers available at your school, it is still a technologically sleeping school. It speaks to the fact that unless the implementers, namely the teachers , recognise the potential of technology to enhance teaching and learning and are willing and able to use the techno logy , then computer labs are just white elephants. Your challenge as a member of your staff and, having seen the benefits of assistive technology during EDRL6004, is to be a change agent and assist in moving your school along the continuum toward becoming an effective school. Good luck.
It is hard to get people to change from their set ways. A lot of time there are people who are train and you expect so much from them and they give very little. Training will help but I do not see it as the solution. We need to try various things to change people mind set. I feel that if formal assessment utilizes the technology; teachers will have to use technology in teaching and learning. It is the practice of most of our teachers to teach based on testing .They do so even at times such methods do not cater for all the kids in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteWe also need to encourage our teachers to utilize the technology through collaborative efforts and in time hope most will embrace it and use it in teaching and learning.
There is a saying that the mere presence of technology is not an automatic guarantee that education will be improved.
ReplyDeleteFor successful integration of technology (since the school obviously already posseses some tools)there must be planning at both the district and school level.
I also think that unless the school administrator sees the importance of its use then the task remains an uphill one. However I intend to be the change-agent in that situation. Maybe the first stage requires drafting a technology plan.
I must say too that I use my laptop and powerpoint frequently and the students do seem to react positively.
Thanks for your comments.