Wednesday, June 30, 2010
In a June 2010 article, eSchool News reported some very interesting research from numerous sources on teachers using technology in the classroom. In a society dominated by smart cell phones, iPods, iPads, netbooks and Web 2.0 applications, one would think that most teachers would be using technology in the classroom regularly. According to the eSchool News report, though, this isn't true.
The education news web site refers to a study by Eduventures Inc., used by Walden College, involving 1,000 teachers and administrators. The study found that just 22 percent of teachers regularly use technology in the classroom. Even more remarkable than this low number is that 34 percent of the teachers using technology reported that they use it infrequently, making the 22 percent even more significant.
Of course, this must mean that too many long-time educators, stuck in a 1980s style of teaching refuse to make the transition to technology. Not true, according to one edtech expert.
Don Knezek, CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education, said this finding is supported by his own experience in talking with school administrators. Administrators tell him “they don’t have to convince new teachers to check their eMail any more,” Knezek said—but they’re still not integrating technology any more frequently in their instruction.
The research reveals much about technology use, or lack thereof, in education, but it offers little insight for solving this staggering problem.
Today's thought leaders say most students graduate from high school and, in many cases, college unprepared for a job market that requires computer and Web 2.0 skills. Yet just 22 percent of America's teachers are using any kind of technology for teaching and learning.
Apparently, as the sales world has declared for decades, we still live in an 80-20 society -- 20 percent of the people are doing 80 percent of the work. Most likely, if you're reading this post, you're in the 20 percent.
Isn't it time we narrow the gap between these groups of teachers? Tech savvy educators have a responsibility to more than just students; they are responsible for the advancement of the profession.
If this is true, how will you handle the 80 percent not using technology in your world?
