TECHNOLOGY BYTES2

Why teachers aren’t using technology

Why don’t teachers use technology?

Good question.

Maybe it would be helpful to use Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats to work it out.

De Bono ConsultingEdward de Bono Site

White Hat - Data and Information

These teachers will want to know how much it all costs.

They will want to know if it’s worth it.

They will want to see evidence it improves learning.

They will use the facts about diversions into social media, chat, downloading, net surfing

They will look at Net Safety

Red Hat - Intuition and Emotion

These teachers will have a gut reaction it’s either a good idea or bad one.

They will be reacting emotionally to all the perceived changes

They will also be trying to work out what all the fuss is about and just carry on teaching – traditionally.

Black Hat - Caution and Defensiveness These teachers will feel

threatened because they cannot see how it all works.

They will take things on very slowly because they need to know it is a sensible and worthwhile idea.

They will keep the brakes on so money isn’t wasted and implementation is rock solid

They will not risk good results

Green Hat - Creative and Freewheeling These teachers are

probably working out how to get the best out of technology.

They’ll be troubleshooting and looking for implementation solutions.

They won’t worry about the deficit model. They’ll get right into it and explore.

They’ll generate ideas for use

Yellow Hat - Positive and Optimistic

These teachers will be champing at the bit to get things going.

They’ll be looking for things to do and how to get the best use out of equipment

They’ll be looking at all the benefits and positives of using a technology approach and they will find the solutions and tools.

Blue Hat - Control and Process

These teachers will be looking at sensible ways to introduce technology.

They will want a safe and secure model.

They will look at how everything fits together and how technology can be used to replace traditional things.

They will guide the uptake and roll out in a methodical way.

Other issues:

Flakey internet access completely wastes time. What is lost to education by supplying technology?

What is the trade off? Where’s the evidence it is better than chalk and talk? Destructive students who break and damage

equipment impact negatively on carefully prepared lessons.

Poorly maintained and slow equipment just gets in the way.

Impact on classroom management. Inappropriate use of equipment being yet another thing

to manage. Safety of students on an always on internet.

New teachers

Have to be tech ready Have to have

demonstrated capabilities with e-learning

Have to feel confident and competent with classroom technology

Need to develop good teaching and technology skills.

Need support networks to ensure success

Established Teachers

Need to know why they should change

Need to be shown that using technology can teach well/better/more efficiently

Need to have time to change successful tasks and topics into their e-learning equivalents

All teachers

Need time to prepare e-learning lessons as there are so many components

Need to know how to share and access ideas easily

Need to have a constant feed of new materials and tech ideas.

Cannot be asked to risk a good results and relationships track record to introduce new approaches.

In one word?

TIME !