A Look Into Overcoming EdTech Obstacles
When simply put, educational technology (EdTech) must be used to facilitate learning. But it is when one dives deeper into the root of what it truly is, what it should be, and how it came about, we find many critical issues for educators and students alike. Although this type of technology has become a great asset to educational institutions, it has also become a massive powerhouse to analyze, mediate, and regulate. In all aspects of life, it directly affects negatively and positively the development of the fast-changing environment (2016,Castro, Dolot, Dotong, Prenda). It is evident that educational technology has created an engaging and interactive learning experience. There is a wide range of programs and applications that can be implemented by educators to facilitate learning. But what happens when critical issues such as lack of educator training and correct integration arise? There are an array of obstacles that will continue to hinder both educators and students if solutions and best practices are not effectively utilized. Emerging technologies take time to implement properly. When not adequately used as a meaningful resource, they become ineffective and obsolete to educators and students. Technology should be integrated into education to increase the efficiency of learning.
Highlighting EdETech Obstacles
I believe there are many barriers when it comes to the use of EdTech that affect mainly students since they are the ones who should be the main focus of schools. Their educational success should be the whole premise of all schools. It is based on this premise, that EdTech then affects everyone involved in the student's life. Starting with educators as they are the heart of the educational system. Then continuing with support teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and parents/families. It is like a fine-tuned system that should all be working together towards a common goal which is the learning and success of the student.
I feel that issues with EdTech barriers first begin with the school staff not being adequately trained in the proper utilization of technology. I think administrators as the head of schools need to realize the reason is that most of their staff is undertrained and underexposed in how to use EdTech. They need to own the fact that most of the time new devices and technologies are thrown at educators without proper guidance or any professional development on how to even use them, much less on best implementation practices. As a technology advocate, I have brought up this point multiple times to my administrators. They do agree and hear me out but unfortunately fall into the we will look into file and staff continue to not be trained. This then leads the educator to underutilize that form of technology and does not integrate it into instruction ultimately hindering their students learning. Students are then not gaining the digital literacy skills needed in this technology-driven world. At this point, EdTech has become a barrier in their education because it is not being used to facilitate learning and better their technological skills. In a technology-driven world, it is only natural for educational institutions to be technology-driven as well. This is what students have grown to know and it is what they engage with daily. In fact, students in our public schools are considered digital natives and have become accustomed to always being connected to their devices and the Internet (2018, Bynum and Harell).
Furthermore, there still continue to be additional EdTech barriers besides inadequate educator training. Such as schools having low funding which affects their budgets and abilities to purchase different forms of technologies. As an educator myself, I see this as a persistent issue year after year. There are various software programs and devices that educators research and feel will benefit students learning, but due to budget problems, schools cannot purchase them. Another barrier can people debate about not having too much screen time for children, so why would we add even more tech time in classrooms. The reality is that people create this barrier because of the misconception that it is “bad” for kids. It can be a “bad” thing if the tech is nothing meaningful and educational. If a child spends hours and hours on countless silly videos or playing online games, then the screen time is not meaningful enough from an educational standpoint. But when technology is integrated into the classroom to make lessons fun and engaging then screen time is no longer a “bad” thing, it turns into a beneficial learning experience. The integration of technology in the delivery of instruction is considered vital in the implementation of a student-centered approach to teaching methods (2016, Castro, Dolot, Dotong, and Prenda)). In addition, EdTech can present even more barriers when it comes to internet access and connectivity. The ability to use EdTech devices and resources when there are issues with the internet having slow speeds or no access greatly hinders instruction. Then students' home life also deciphers their technological skills and interactions or lack thereof. Many families do not have access to computers or devices at home, much less an internet connection. This hinders the student's digital skills even further when they do not have the ability to use technology at home as opposed to those who do.
In order to overcome EdTech barriers, we must find attainable solutions to the issues. I feel that it must start with proper educational technology training of teachers. I think this is the heart of the problem since teachers are at the frontline of the learning process. There must be a shift in teachers' mindsets from traditional instructional approaches to innovative approaches with technology integration. Many times I feel teachers are accustomed to their old ways and approach, and when something new comes along perhaps they are nervous and weary of taking the leap into the new era. Once they commit to making instructional changes where they utilize and integrate EdTech, they will see its effectiveness of it. In addition, they will see the change in their students' success rates and how fun and engaging it can be if utilized properly. Schools must also allot the proper funding to purchase innovative EdTech that teachers see fit to benefit their students' learning. Teachers and students must have the adequate technology needed to be successful. Staying away from technology only widens the digital divide and does not give students all the opportunities necessary to acquire technological skills and become the best digital citizen they can be. According to the Office of Educational Technology, participants agreed that coordinated efforts to close the digital divide could help increase learner engagement and participation in everywhere, all-the-time learning (2022).
Technology is a tool...
References
Dotong, C., De Castro, E., Dolot, J., and Prenda, T. (2016). Barriers for Educational Technology Integration in Contemporary Classroom Environment. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, Arts and Sciences, Vol. 3 No. 2, April 2016.
Harrell, S., & Bynum, Y. (2018). Factors affecting technology integration in the classroom. Alabama Journal of Educational Leadership, 5, 12-18.
Office of Educational Technology. Advancing Digital Equity for All
Barriers and Strategies. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
https://tech.ed.gov/advancing-digital-equity-for-all/barriers-and-strategies/
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