EDU 6250: Obstacles Project

Obstacles Project

1. Insufficient access to technology

-Not enough devices for a school

-Not enough internet access to support devices

-Not enough money to give needed supports

-Even with labs fighting for sign-up time, allowing for computer sign in and sign out, losing too much time

2. Attitudes/beliefs

-“Old school” teachers not wanting to change

-Some teachers may not realize the impact technology will have in life outside of school
-More shaped by teacher’s attitude rather than the students

-Seen as busy work rather than creative learning

3. School culture

-Low-income schools: little money or resources at home

-Administrators that are not supportive of teachers or their ideas

-Example: people liking books or printed texts versus an electronic copy

-People in power having lack of knowledge how to implement technology. Tools become used for testing or basic research

4. Overload of assessment

-Recently technology is being used for testing like PARCC

-Leaves little time for other uses of technology

-Focus on testing rather than creative learning with technology

-Test skills versus 21^st century skills

5. Administration/school leaders

-People who make tech decisions have not been in the classroom in a long time

-Do they actually research tech or are they getting the next big thing?

-In terms of social media: will they support you in your decisions? What happens if they don’t?

-Lack of teacher input for platforms, devices, and software

6. Lack of skills

-Teachers not being familiar with ALL devices and apps

-Students not having any access to tech before coming to school, especially in low income areas

-No on-going support in the classroom or even no initial training

-Just getting students to touch devices

Conley, Laurie. 2010. “Barriers to Integrating Technology.” Retrieved from: https://sites.google.com/site/thedigitallibrarian/barriers-to-integrating-technology

Greaves, T.; Hayes, J.; Wilson, L.; Gielniak, M.; & Peterson, R. 2010. The Technology Factor: Nine Keys to Student Achievement and Cost-Effectiveness. 169.

Innovative Teaching and Learning 2011 Findings and Implications. (2011). 40.