Implementation issues netsteps

What are netsteps?

It is no longer an issue of whether or not technology should be implemented in education. Now the question is when and how do we implement the technology, how do we use it effectively, how do we make it accessible and how can we afford it?

Issues in technology integration are complex and often intertwined. For example, to ensure that technology integration is effective and appropriate, as well as equitable, schools must invest in teacher training and support. To train and support teachers, teachers must first have the time and schools must also have the professional, financial and technical resources. Schools that usually can afford to train and support teachers are ones where middle to high-income students attend, which can create inequity!

By further researching one of the following issues, the complexity and importance of finding solutions will become apparent.

1. Equitable access: 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 widens the gap between economic classes. Studies have also 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.

2. Cost: The cost of installing and maintaining computers in schools and having access to the Internet has been an issue. More importantly, to effectively integrate technology, schools also need to invest in the professional development and support of teachers.

3. Time: Teachers argue that it is too time consuming to train for technology integration and to prepare lessons that integrate technology. Teachers also 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.

4. Educational appropriateness/ effectiveness: Schools must be held accountable for investments in technology and many innovations in education have come and gone without fulfilling the promised impact on student learning. Is it appropriate to integrate technology at all levels of education? Does technology facilitate the learning of higher order thinking skills?

5. Internet safety: Many schools that allow students access to email and/or the Web have decided to use special software (filters) that prevent students from being exposed to inappropraite material. Some educators see this as keeping their students safe. Others believe that it is censorship and that there are no filters in the real world.