Some schools and districts plan events around national-level campaigns like Digital Learning Day. However, a majority of respondents to a recent question posed by EdTech editor Katharine Haber say it is teachers and others at the school-level or district-level that drive their current use of classroom technology. Still others report that it is a combination of all three.
When asked about the forces standing in the way of increased use of technology to enhance classroom learning, an overwhelming majority of respondents say funding is the culprit. Others say time for training and teacher support are factors, while just a few cite resistance from parents.
Did your school or district participate in or host any events associated with Digital Learning Day, held on Feb. 6?
|
No |
76.34% |
|
Yes |
23.66% |
Which type of support is driving the current level of classroom technology use in your school or district?
|
School- or teacher-led programs |
35.59% |
|
District policies and initiatives |
32.20% |
|
All of the above |
21.19% |
|
National or state policies and campaigns |
11.02% |
What is the biggest obstacle to the increased use of classroom technology in your school or district?
|
Funding constraints |
57.56% |
|
Time for training |
17.44% |
|
Infrastructure |
15.70% |
|
Resistance from teachers, administrators |
8.14% |
|
Resistance from parents |
1.16% |
Considering that funding is seen as a major obstacle, would more schools benefit from bring-your-own-technology programs, where students are permitted to use their own smartphones, tablet computers and other mobile devices in the classroom? Or would it be more cost-effective to replace some print materials with digital, or take better advantage of free Web-based resources? How do you think the valuable benefits to students of classroom technology can be made more affordable to schools? Leave a comment.
Katharine Haber is an associate editor for SmartBrief, writing and editing content about a variety of topics in education.