TIP Model Phase 2 - Determining the Relative Advantage
The superintendent of the Wellmade School District felt that every student should be "connected to the information Superhighway," so he decided to install Internet connections in every school classroom in the district. The hardware and installations were funded through a federal grant and local business sponsors. Two years later, it became apparent that only about 25% of the teachers were using the Internet with students, and most uses were "casual surfing."
1. Why do you think the teachers did not see the relative advantage of this technology?
The teachers were not able to see the relative advantage of this technology because they could not see the benefits this new technology had to offer. The teachers themselves were only knowledgeable to a certain extent, which was "casual surfing." Only 25% of the teachers were able to pass on this knowledge. This means that he other 75% did no receive any technology in their classes. Teachers need to be properly trained in order to adequately implement a new program; otherwise, it is a waste of time, money, and resources.
2. If you were made responsible for integrating this technology into instructional activities, how would you translate the superintendent's rationale into problems and solutions for which the relative advantage would be clear to teachers?
There are many teachers in districts that have a difficult time integrating technology in the classroom because they simply do not know how to do it. It requires a great deal of time and effort to plan and carry out technology strategies. Student interest can also be an obstacle due to the level of difficulty and lack of knowledge the teacher may posses. If I were responsible, a solution to this problem would be to provide the teachers with the appropriate staff development that pertained to the technology I wanted to implement. Providing the teachers with this training will give them the confidence and knowledge to teach the students the technology so that why they are learning is relevant to them. I would also provide lesson plans for the teachers to allow them to make goals for their classes and grade levels. These technology experiences for the students will prepare them for the real world which is technology driven.
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Hello Cheri,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100% on training all teachers on technology but to make it a continuous process would be even better. It is like the students; if we don't use it, we forget it. I also see it as a waste of time unless you have all the teachers "buy in" to the request. I would be careful with the assistance with lesson planning because some teachers will not budge. Now if you give it to them as a "guideline", I feel they would buy into it. Remember you can always attract more bees with honey. :)
I also agree that training is the key to successful implementation. For those who lack the information they will receive it and for those teachers who know about technology a refresher never hurts. Like with most things you must continue to see training. When teachers refuse to adapt to the changing times it is a disservice to the students that are stuck in their classrooms. Guidelines as Ruth mentioned area great idea that way teachers can add their own touch and feel like they are part of the solution. Teachers not having enough time is a hard sale, often like in most careers there is not a true end to the day we must stay competitive for our craft and the kids we serve.
ReplyDeleteCheri you make a good point that many other classmates have posted. The main problem or the main issue is the fact that teachers who work at this school are not recognizing the relative advantage of using tech in the classroom. The point you made was that teachers do not have the experience or know-how to use tech and implement it in the classroom. So training is a necessity. Professional development technology training needs to be developed for the different levels of experience with computers so that teachers do not feel too far behind. Teachers need to have that AH HA moment and figure out that they are going to be left behind and possibly let go if they do not make changes in their implementation of instruction with tech.
ReplyDeleteCheri, I really like your idea about providing specific lesson plans to the teachers. I think it will really help with those teachers that feel particular unsure about using the Internet in the classroom. It will also save a significant amount of time for them, which is an impending obstacle of technology integration. While this requires district resources, I think the overall benefits will be great. Not to mention, as the teachers become more comfortable and knowledgable about properly integrating the Internet into their lessons, they will feel more confident in developing their own technology-based lessons.
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