TEACHERS' USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN CLASSROOM

We’re living in a technological era. Whether you like it or not, people around you are working, living, and talking about technology. People within the educational field are no exception. More than ever, schools feel the urge to use technology in the classroom to facilitate teaching and learning. However, are all teachers happy with this trend?

At the College, where I’m currently working as an e-learning developer, changes to literacy pedagogy are occurring in classrooms in response to contemporary communication and learning contexts. These changes are diverse as lecturers and the academic board attempt to design new pedagogies to respond to the potential of digital technologies within the existing curriculum.

The College always encourages and facilitates the implementation of educational technologies. Every learning activity between lecturers and students is fully supported through an educational platform (Learning Management System – LMS). A blended learning approach is strategically carried out to help students keep up with modern ways of learning, practice their skills, and conduct research.

However, the sad fact is that not all lecturers are proficient in using technology to facilitate learning in class. They seem more comfortable with their traditional way of lecturing. In addition, they don’t see the need to use technology in their teaching.

“Why do the students need to post questions on the LMS when they can ask me directly?”

I often hear this response when having casual conversations with lecturers about the use of the LMS at school, as expected by management. Is their attitude toward technology the main barrier?

I read in a study conducted by a group of Korean lecturers that teachers who place greater value on computers tend to use them more frequently in instruction. Many studies have also found that teachers’ attitudes are the major predictor of the use of technology in instructional settings. If teachers have favourable attitudes toward technology, they are more likely to integrate it into their teaching.

So now the question is: how can we change this attitude among teachers?

I personally think professional training may help them overcome this obstacle. I believe that when teachers have enough support from the College, they will gain more confidence in applying technology in their teaching. School support may include technology training, access to facilities, technical staff, and administrative support. Many research articles have suggested that quality technology support, such as personalized technical assistance for classroom teachers, can enhance teachers’ use of technology in the classroom.