Technology Integration: Obstacles and Challenges
Abstract: Integrating technology is a challenge, especially for new teachers. Rapidly changing technology increases the difficulty of gaining expertise to incorporate effectively. Although technology is widely integrated in K-12 schools, a gap exists in technology preparation in educator preparation programs (EPP). Teachers emerging from today’s EPPs understand the basics of teaching, but lack a good grasp of the pedagogy of teaching with technology. Most EPPs do not integrate technology into all courses, but reserve it for one technology-focused course teaching simple technology skills (Hughes, 2013). Fewer programs introduce teacher candidates to the TPACK model to integrate technology into teaching practice. New teacher’s perceptions of effectiveness are based on feelings of preparedness (Darling-Hammond, Chung, & Frelow, 2002). This affects the ability to use technology successfully. If EPPs are to be effective at preparing teachers, we must prepare for the incorporation of technology.
Presider: Mehmet Ali Ozer, New Mexico State University