What makes this a good use of technology? Is this a vision or is it possible in real classrooms? What makes this vision a challenge to implement and what might be needed to actualize it?
I think that using technology to make classrooms places of inquiry, promotes problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration and communication is possible. However the effective integration of technology can be very challenging in real classrooms. Many factors come into play making technology integration a challenge. Time to experiment with and learn a new technology is one of the biggest obstacles for teachers. Teachers feel overwhelmed by all of the changes happening in the education system. New curriculums, more paper work, the number of needs in any given classroom, the lack of support for student needs and then on top of this the pressure to integrate technology. Where do teachers find the time to become proficient in the use of technology in the classroom?
Teacher attitudes towards the use of technology can also present a challenge. Teachers need to recognize the value of the use of technology in the classroom. Fear of failure or looking silly when using technology is also a factor. We need to be able to let go of some of the control that has traditionally been in place in classrooms. Instead of being the person who knows it all we need to shift our mind set to becoming a facilitator of student learning.
Professional development that leads to successful technology integration is a complicated, multifaceted process. No single factor in and of itself will lead to teachers fully integrating technology into teaching and learning in classrooms. PD has traditionally been a day here or there where new information is presented and then teachers are expected to go back to classrooms and implement the new information or skill. Very little follow up is done to ensure that the PD has been effective and met teacher needs.
Teacher opportunities to view successful technology integration in authentic classroom situations, time to plan, share and brainstorm lessons and access to ongoing, just in time support may enable teachers to realize the value of the use of technology as instructional tools and lead to successful integration.