There are several barriers to using technology in education. Some of these include funding, infrastructure of the schools, and teacher attitudes toward using new technology.
Before technology can be introduced in the school, it must be purchased. Unfortunately we are in the days of proration, so schools must be creative in acquiring technology. If the school is Title 1, funds can be allocated to the use of technology. Schools can hold fundraisers such as 10 for Technology to earn funding. Our school is currently using the Boosterthon Fun Run fundraiser to earn money for new technology such as additional iPads in our school. Funding can also acquired through grants and asking local legislatures for money.
At our school, infrastructure is a problem. It seems like the wireless in our school is not working every other day. We also just got wireless access to the portables. I spent two years in my portable with Ethernet cords spanning the floors. In my classroom, I only have two outlets that are hidden in the back corner of my classroom. In order to use the technology I have, I had to purchase a 50 foot extension cord and have the janitors run it through the ceiling and drop it down in to the middle of my classroom. It is hard to use the technology when the buildings do not support the technology.
Another barrier that can be faced when using technology in education are the educator's feelings toward the technology. I feel that with adequate on going and relevant professional development, teachers feelings can be positive. When teachers are unsure how to use the technology and feel overwhelmed with the burden of teaching themselves to use the technology, their attitudes can be negative. Also with someone like a technology coach to provide individualized technology assistance and to help troubleshoot problems, resistance by the teacher can be minimal.
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