http://eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2sql/content_storage_01/0000019b/80/19/8f/8d.pdf
This article is about how under trained and/or uneducated administrators and school superintendants are about emerging technology. It discussed how this lack of understanding and training puts the transition for technology to enter the classroom to a halt. One of the areas that it discussed was how superintendants don't always know what is available (in regards to hardware and software) or what would be the best product to supply their schools with. When this occurs, it is difficult for schools to allow technology to enter and be used appropriately for learning. One of the solutions they mentioned was having a technology coordinator for the school system who would research and find the best products for the right price. This is essentially who the superintendant turns to for answers regarding what would be appropriate for the schools.
In regards to administration in the schools, the article discussed how it is difficult for a principal to encourage using technology in lessons when they are not aware of how to properly use it or how to integrate it in the classroom. If that lack of understanding is present in the administration, it is difficult for the rest of the staff to feel comfortable using technology. A solution that was mentioned for this problem was the courses that are now being required in colleges and universities for administrators in training.
I found this article a little scary. As a teacher I often look to my administration for guidance and answers to questions, so to know that in many school districts they are just as uncomfortable with the new technology is not comforting. I hope that as technology becomes more and more of a priority in schools, the training and education will not be strictly for teachers but also extended to the administrators in charge of it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Jessica, this is a great article as I have dealt with many administrators who are not so supportive and aware of new technology. Fortunately, I have had the privilege of working with some that are on the ball though. I thought it was interesting that the research for this article was done quite some time ago. I really would’ve thought we would have seen more changes as far as technology standards for administrators by now.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt that administrators have their hands full, but they definitely set the tone for technology use in their schools. From my own experience in working with teachers as an ITC, I can tell you that they are much eager to use the technology when administrators are willing to be trained as well. If the administrators take the time to learn the technology, it implies that the training is relevant and important. If administrators never attend any of the technology trainings, it is easy for a teacher to assume it really isn’t that important.
I also thought it was interesting in the author’s research, he found that people who make a lot of the decisions about technology (finance, purchases, etc.) are not actually the most familiar with the technology. In fact, some know very little about technology. Personally, I feel that some of the most important people in my school district are not aware of the importance and capabilities of the technology we have available to us. It is also worth noting that the author found that those that make decisions about policies often know very little about technology. I am getting a little frustrated in my schools system as there have been many restrictions placed on showing videos and using blogs. In fact, I’m not allowed to create a website for my classes unless I use the system-chosen software, NovusEd, which is not very user-friendly. I hope that more administrators and educational leaders will recognize the value in consulting teachers and educational technology experts when making important decisions for their schools.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting article. After I read the article, and your comments and summary, I was curious if West Georgia's degree program for educational leadership required any MEDT courses. I guess I was a little surprised that it was not included in the master's degree or the specialist degree. That is a little scary. The importance of administrator's knowlegde of the use of technology and how to intergrate it into the classroom is very important if they expect their teachers to be using it.
ReplyDeleteI know many school systems offer in-services and trainings on technology. If the administrators that request that their teachers go, would go themselves, it would be very encouraging for their teachers. Administrators led their schools, and in order to implement the use of technology throughout the school, administrators should feel comforatble with it or be willing to learn more about it.
If school districts took the time to train superintendents and administrators, the funding for technology could be much more wisely spent.