Technology in the classroom

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Technology in the classroom 

Dear TM-SO,

As an educator of 20 years, I am very concerned about how we are approaching technology in education. Students now have laptops, but teachers are unsure about how we are supposed to incorporate these tools in the learning environment. I don’t really think the technology is helping. Sometimes I feel like it’s making our job more difficult. What do you think?

Vidya R (teacher)

Vidya

Research is showing that the impact of technology on teachers’ everyday practice remains quite limited. Some teachers are using technology in very creatively but, in most schools, technology use remains narrow and unimaginative. Many teachers are realising that technology alone does not help to actually achieve learning objectives. It is time for a different approach. Following are some of the key considerations: 

1. Holistic teacher development—ongoing training for educators must include new technical competencies as well as emphasis on changing global and technical context. Programmes must recognise the unique vantage point of teachers in the learning environment. 

2. Student character development—this must come before certification and technical competence. There has to be increased emphasis on values-based education. We are creating the builders of our future society. 

3. Learning beyond the classroom box—encourage new forms of participation and tailor learning outcomes to factor the demographics of the students coming through. More hands-on projects tied to local issues and local needs.

4. New social partnership—the private sector and civil society must be more tightly incorporated in the education process. Also, government policy must support, not hinder, the implementation of new learning models. Broadband Internet access must be complemented by computing devices and access indigenous digital content.