Chapt. 10 Responding to Emerging Technologies
I was interested in the five-step process Everett Rogers (2003) explained members go through when accepting or rejecting a particular innovation. I found this to be especially true in the area of teaching teachers the use of technology. The five areas are knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation and confirmation. When our district decided to switch to electronic gradebook, there was some resistance. Knowledge increased as teachers become more comfortable with the operation and advantages of the program. Some teachers were persuaded, perhaps initially through a bit of pressure, this may have influenced if they were favorable or not, towards the new program. The decision to adopt or reject is generally the next step. We had teachers asking when they would get the program when we initially started to pilot the adoption with just four teachers. True to Roger’s steps, other teachers have rejected the “innovation.” Implementation is the next step; those who have fully accepted the program, and made the decision have implemented the gradebook program on a daily or weekly basis. Others have rejected its use, although they are required to use the program, they use it in a very limited fashion. Confirmation is the next step, for most teachers they have evaluated the results and continue the implementation.
Implementing technology such as the gradebook does take time. Teachers need to see the benefit and understand and accept the program. I will continue to provide training opportunities and be patient so our district continues to grow in the area of technology.
Attitudes toward emerging technologies are very interesting in the educational system. We have teachers using probe-ware, blogs, podcasts and web pages. Others differentiate their instruction through the use of assessment software or various activities for students using technology. Yet there are teachers that either are unwilling, must feel unable or uncomfortable using technology. My concern is how do we get that to change? Is it fair to students that just because the teacher does not want to change, those students are not exposed to technology to the same degree that others are.
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Cathy,
ReplyDeleteI think your concern is a good one. I have found that teachers who do not use technology within their classrooms are lacking in computer skills themselves. Recently, the teachers at our school were asked to take a survey which assessed our computer skills. The purpose of taking the survey was to determine our computers skills so that we may qualify for a grant. I must say that few people passed. I think that some teachers lack confidence in their skills so they avoid teaching students about technology.
Lore Sampson