Teachers’ attitudes toward technology

Response to module 2- Technology and learning

A few years ago my family had to upgrade our computer because our old one was not up to handling the new software we needed. The new computer we bought had Windows 8, being completely different to its Windows 7 predecessor with its new design and layout. The biggest change of all however was that it had no start bar! While it was so much faster than the old computer (we used to turn it on, walk off and boil the kettle and make a tea before returning to the computer), this new computer was so new and intimidating. It was not the old familiar family member that we were used to and understood so well. Despite it being so fast to use compared to our old one, there were still times when we would show our frustrations and wished that we still had our old computer.

I think we initially feared the new computer because we were not willing to let the old one go and give the new a chance. Looking back, I think this situation reflects similarities with the use of technology in the classroom. I think sometimes teachers feel apprehensive about integrating technology into the classroom from the lack of experience on how to use it, lack of time, social issues surrounding its use, or maybe they are just not ready to let go of the old way of teaching (Roblyer & Doering, 2014)? I think we should question our attitudes towards the use of new technologies as it is a valuable tool when used appropriately that can greatly enhance students learning experiences (Funnell & Davies, 2012).

When studying to become a teacher we are often asked to reflect back to our own experiences when we were at school. Inevitably, this leads to us picking apart the methods and styles of teaching that was effective and then attempting to incorporate these into our own classrooms. Often our past experiences of learning followed traditional methods which did not include much use of technologies. Memories of our past schooling is fine however I do not think they should merely 'copy and paste' this methodologies into our future classrooms. This would be detrimental to the many learning opportunities possible through the use of technology (November, 2009). In a radio program on the ABC titled Future Tense (2012) guest speaker Gregg Whitby talks about it being critical that teachers are committed to learning new skills, improving their style of teaching and incorporating technology into the classroom. A key point that compliments this belief also surfaced in Mishra’s speech (2012) where he discussed that good teaching occurs from the rethinking and repurposing of pedagogy, content and technology and the interaction of them with one another. Both these points indicate that it is important that teachers are constantly rethinking, redefining and repurposing their teaching methods and integrating educational technology into the classroom (Roblyer & Doering, 2014:16).

 It is crucial that teachers continually challenge and reconstruct traditional teaching pedagogies in order to benefit their students. I firmly believe that the incorporation of technologies into the classroom is the inevitable step into the future of teaching and learning, so as prospective teachers we need to embrace it (Funnell & Davies, 2012). In order to integrate technology successfully into the classroom it is important that teachers hold a positive attitude towards its use in the classroom. Similarly to my family’s new computer saga, at first teachers may feel intimidated by new technologies that they themselves are unfamiliar with and initially find it challenging. Teachers should embrace technology with a positive and can-do attitude so as to offer students the many positive outcomes it can provide to their education and society.

References:

Funnell, A. (Presenter) & Davies, A. (Producer). (2012, August 19). 21^st Century Education [Radio Program]. In Future Tense: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Mishra, P. (2012) Keynote, speech presented at the 21^st century Learning Conference, Hong Kong. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bwXYa91fvQ.

November, A. (Presenter). (2009). Myths and Opportunities: Technologies in the Classroom [Video]. United States: Mobile Learning Institute.

Roblyer, M., & Doering, A. (2014). Pearson New International Edition. Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. Harlow, England: Pearson.