One thing that my job comprise is helping teachers overcome technology challenges. Whether it is using the computer for themselves or teaching the students how to use it, we do a lot in Digital Learning and Assessment. As someone who’s job it is to help teacher be as prepared as they can be I have compiled a list of questions that need to be address and how we can help every learner, including teachers, be 21^st Century Students. 

Challenge: Going from Digital T-Baller to Digital All-Star (Spring couldn’t come fast enough) 

This challenge is all about taking someone new to using technology as an educational tool to someone who is digitally proficient. A term you might have heard is that students today are digital natives. While it might be true in the broadest sense, the reality is age and technology are not related as heavily. Many teachers like yourselves recognize that you need to give your students the opportunities to use Modern workforce tools to better prepare them for the future. As teachers we may feel behind when it comes to trends with technology, worry not though. 

Solution:

 Part of the solution to this problem is that we are working on training videos of teachers who are excelling with technology and providing examples of quality use of technology in the classroom with students. We are also providing many in person training opportunities for teachers through our tech symposiums and WeLearn Wednesday’s where teachers are teaching teachers. Having a growth mindset is the lead up to overcoming the Digital T-Baller. 

Challenge: No Time to Teach the Awesome Tool You Spent All Weekend Learning 

Essentially, the new technology can appear at some of the most inopportune times. Then you spend all weekend learning how to use it, so you can bring it in on Monday. You are also savvy enough to know that students love new, shiny toys and new tools in the classroom are included. You also know student questions on how something works can quickly derail your lesson and even your morning. 

Solution:

I think for this one it’s two-fold, be prepared that the students need time to explore the program, which means building in time for no pressure use for the tool. The other thing that you can do as a teacher is to deputize the students by either having a small group of students who are tech savvy to be your assistants. Or you could try “Ask three before me” strategy, where students need to ask three other students before they ask the teacher. 

Challenge: Overwhelmed with the Amount of New Technology Rolled Out 

I know that some teachers that you may know would be considered tech-resistant, and when new tools get rolled out they shut down. Maybe even to the point where they don’t use technology in the room regularly. This leaves us with figuring out the best path and how do we bring the teachers along, in positive and productive manner? 

Solution:

In coming up with what a path could look like I offer these thoughts: 

1. Talk to the teachers and find out why they are so resistant. A lot of times it was fear of the unknown. It was also fear because of a lack of experience. 
2. Go into the classroom, model lessons, work together planning lessons and be there to help with the implementation. 
3. Go in with small steps in mind. One tool at a time and spend time helping the teacher get comfortable with it. 

Challenge: Enabling Educators to Understand and Leverage Technology Integration 

One of the common threads we hear from teachers is they don’t know how to thoughtfully integrate technology into our lessons, intimated by it, or even see the value for it in your practices. For other teachers they see something new and shiny, and they get excite about a new tech tool.   

Solution:

For overcoming this at a school level, your tech coordinators can run a survey finding out   teachers needs and areas of interests. Using PLN’s as a way to plan how to use technology in a lesson together. Similarly, it is necessary to keep teachers grounded in strong pedagogy when integrating technology. One way to accomplish this is to tie tech integration to the 4 C’s. By having teachers choose a specific student outcome tied to communication, collaboration, creativity, or critical thinking, technology can truly be viewed as a tool to enhance quality instruction instead of as the end goal itself. 

There you have it, a few common issues and ways that you can handle them! If you have specific challenges that are mentioned here, leave us a note below and lets see if we can help each other!