Barriers to Effective Use of Technology - Are there any?

As stated in previous blogs, the use of technology in teaching has extended the way in which teaching and learning has progressed, However, is technology accessible for everyone? Should technology be replied upon as a primary teaching aid, when there are barriers to usage? This blog post will explore a few barriers to effective technology use, and the impact it can have on learning.

Even though technology has been around for a number of years, it can still be viewed as a needless distraction by some teachers, for a number of reasons. Ertmer (1999) noted that teachers can experience barriers two fold. Firstly, the understanding of how to effectively use technology is a barrier to usage. Teachers who grew up without the use of computers and tablets are often less confident in their ability to utilise technology, which results in minimal integration of technology into their teaching. This is known as an internal barrier, a barrier which comes from within the teacher. Teachers also experience external barriers, such as a lack of equipment. In my teaching, I have taught in classrooms with a single computer (which didn't work), making it difficult to effectively integrate technology. Butler and Sellbom (2002) comment that without adequate facilities teachers can't be expected to become proficient with technology, meaning the students experience of technological learning will suffer.

From the learners point of view, cost can be an issue. Tablets and laptops cost hundreds of pounds, making them a luxury that not all can afford. Keengwe, Onchwari and Wachira (2008) report that cost is the most important factor when looking at technology in the classroom, with it being the biggest reason for students not using it. Despite this, work from Christensen (2002) noted that as technology has advanced, the perceived need of technology from students and teachers has also increased. Nearly all lectures nowadays are put onto Moodle, with the expectancy that students will look over this at home. However, as I have found, not all students can afford a home electronic device, making it difficult for students to fully embrace the every growing world of technological learning.

To conclude, there are numerous barriers for effective use of technology. In my opinion, there are two stand out barriers. If technology cannot be afforded, then the influence of it in the classroom will be minimal. As more teaching moves online, students cannot be expected to learn in this way if they cannot afford access to the work. Secondly, if teachers do not feel confident using technology, how can they expected to teach their content using technology? Without adequate training and information, it would be better for a teacher to stick to their natural teaching techniques, so they do not run the risk of confusing themselves and their students.

References

Butler, D., Sellbom, M. (2002). Ertmer P. (1999). Addressing first- and second-order barriers to change: Strategies for technology integration. Educational Technology Research and Development. 47 (4), p. 47-61..Educause Quarterly. 1 (1), p. 22-28.

Christensen, R. (2002). Effects of Technology Integration Education on the Attitudes of Teachers and Students. Journal of Research on Technology in Education. 34 (4), p. 411-433.

Ertmer P. (1999). Addressing first- and second-order barriers to change: Strategies for technology integration. Educational Technology Research and Development. 47 (4), p. 47-61.

Keengwe, J., Onchwari, G., Wachira, P. (2008). Computer Technology Integration and Student Learning: Barriers and Promise. Journal of Science Education and Technology. 17 (6), p. 560-565.