Theoretical considerations: Implementation issues

Theoretical considerations menu

Introduction

Technology integration has many benefits for students. There are however, many issues surrounding technology in education. It is very important for educators to be aware of these issues so that problems can be minimized.

Some of these include:

  • The cost of installing and maintaining computers in schools and having access to the Internet has been an issue for parents, provincial governments and school boards.
  • The issue of equity between schools and students is also an issue. Schools that can afford to equip their classrooms with computers and the Internet are usually schools that have students from middle to high-income families and the lack of computers in low-income schools simply furthers the divide between the have and have-nots. This can often result in a divide between different cultural groups as well.
  • Studies have shown that males are more likely to have computer experience outside of the classroom and are more likely to have an interest in computers and technology which creates a gender issue. Teachers should ensure that technology use in the classroom is both challenging and equitable and that they encourage both girls and boys to be regular users of technology.
  • In order to effectively integrate technology, schools need to invest in the professional development of teachers and in the training of pre-service teachers. Support for these teachers is also required once they are ready to integrate technology in the classroom.
  • Many teachers argue that they do not have the time in their lessons to integrate technology, especially at the higher levels where there are many curricular constraints. This problem can be minimized by ensuring that learning outcomes from the Program of Studies are reflected in all activities involving technology. Teachers also argue that it is time consuming to prepare lessons that integrate technology. Although this is a problem that can occur in the first years of integration it can be alleviated by an increase in collaboration and sharing of resources and ideas between teachers. The Internet has provided teachers with many forums to share lesson plans, templates, projects and stories about integrating technology.
  • Classroom management also changes when teachers begin to integrate technology and use a more constructivist approach to teaching and learning. Teachers must continue to develop their classroom management techniques to support this type of learning environment.

For more information about these issues check out the Implementation issues netsteps.

Readings

North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (1997). Critical Issue: Ensuring Equitable Use of Education Technology. http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te400.htm.

North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (1999). Critical Issue: Using Technology to Improve Student Achievement. http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te800.htm.

Oppenheimer, T. (1997). The Computer Delusion. The Atlantic Monthly, 280(1), 45-64. Boston, MA: The Atlantic Monthly Company. http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/97jul/computer.htm.