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Having a computer lab or a computer in the classroom doesn't necessarily mean that the teacher will incorporate it into their teaching. A teacher can have all the equipment in the world but if the teacher doesn't implement it correctly there will be no success. The computer isn't just the machine it is the human qualites of interaction with Tech,staff,and administration.
The article states "technology proficiency pedagogical compatibility,and social awreness" are importatant for technology to succeed in the classroom.I agree with Cynthia that technology innovations must serve more than one teacher. The " no man is an island" idea is correct when applied to technology. To make technology successful the teacher has to understand the social dynamics,the technical dynamics,and the administrative dynamics of the school.
A key part of the article is the social interaction. Tech, teacher, and administrator need to work together. Understanding the infrastructure is very important. The better communiction there is between the three, the more success there will be. The more computers are use by the teacher the more understanding of their use will be known. I know sometines the tech side is hard to understand but if the teacher knows who to ask then communication is better and technology in the classroom has a chance.Communication from the administration is crucial. The curriculium direector shouldn't have to guess what is going on just because she is not considered administration.This guessing hinders the job.
The article stated that the teachers were so excited about their ideas but many lacked the know how of how to put them in effect.Like Brookelyn stated about teacher training, real classroom training is important. I think sometimes districts,administrators and teachers buy into a new program without thoroughly researching it. It looks good on paper but in reality it is harder to translate into a classroom situation.Over the years, I have found many schoolwide projects are begun and then abandon when something else comes along.It is like a bandwagon approach "everyone is doing it our school should too".What happens after the excitement wears off?Will it be like Willa who was left frustrated and unable to finish the project?
Previous knowledge of the teacher is an important building block. If a teacher has to complely reorganize their teaching style to incorporate technology there will be resistance. Teacher enthusiasm is also important. Anne's group was successful because the group viewed it as a fun and exciting experience. Teachers are not much different than their students. They learn better when the subject is fun and exciting. The teacher's mindset is also important. Teachers can't just leave it up to the computer teacher to do everything or like Cynthia said about wagging the tail. Everyone has to work together.
The article had many good ideas. Schools need the right equipment and strong teachers. There has to be communiction between Tech, teachers and staff, and administration. Good tech support + good teacher involvement + good administration support = Sucess.
