Video Case 5 was interesting because it highlighted the different perspectives that teachers have about integrating technology who all worked at the same school. This case did an excellent job at showing the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. A retiring teacher and a new teacher are interviewed, and they express similar frustrations and challenges to integrating tech into their classrooms and aren’t very open to using it. They both explained that one of the main reasons why they are reluctant to use tech is lack of time. They didn’t think that they had enough time to properly learn how to use the technology to use with their students. Also, they both felt as if they did not have enough training in the tools to be able to use them confidently.
In the same school, we see another teacher who has an entirely different mindset when it comes to integrating technology. This particular classroom teacher embraces technology by accepting and describing to her students that she is not the instructor when it comes to technology in her classroom. Instead, she creates a learning community by explaining that they are all part of a team of learners, working together and solving problems as they arise.
Video Case 7 shows a professor who although feels the same emotions as the retiring and new teacher from case 5, overcomes his challenges by taking a risk and trying something that is out of his comfort zone. In his interview, the professor explains that he uses an online program called ‘Clickers’ that gathers feedback anonymously. This program allows him to check for understandings and misconceptions, as well as keeps his students engaged by getting them to participate and collaborate.
In both cases, the students are interviewed, and their responses are positive. It is clear that they feel motivated to engage and participate, and in both cases are building their collaboration skills as they are working with their peers. If we know that there are definite gains to using technology, how can we help those teacher overcome their fixed-mindset to be more open and embrace the challenges and struggles that they may face when using tech in their classrooms?