Education technology is a significant aspect of 21st-century learning. Laptops, computers, and digital notebooks are quickly replacing traditional classroom structures.
However, teachers and school administrators struggle to implement EdTech tools. These challenges affect the quality of education offered to learners.
In this blog post, we explore the primary challenges that teachers and administrators face when using tech.
1. No Professional Training
Adopting technology into the curriculum requires teachers to stay abreast with emerging tech trends. If teachers don’t know where to look, finding quality learning resources to enhance learning won’t be easy.
Education technology goes beyond providing shiny tablets and notebooks. It can be challenging when teachers cannot train students to use them. Even proper digital guidance will enable students to find a reliable paper writing service to write my essay, be it EssayService or another similar academic writing platform.
2. Long-Term Cost of Software
School administrators are often excited about providing education technology to students, but they frown at the long-term costs. EdTech software needs to be maintained and updated regularly for maximum performance.
If schools have sufficient funding, it will be easy to pioneer or sustain the use of technology for learning. But if schools don’t have enough funds, teachers are advised to use only open-source platforms, which have limited features.
3. Unreliable Devices and Software
Some students from underprivileged backgrounds only have access to cheap phones, while others don’t even have access to the internet. Unless the school provides universal tablets or notebooks for all students, adopting technological advancements won’t go smoothly.
Teachers may also need more time procuring software instructions for different devices. If they don’t have access to the right teaching tools, they won’t be able to deliver top-notch instructional guidance to students.
4. Reduced Lesson Time
If school administrators are unfamiliar with EdTech, they will expend extra energy developing coursework and instructional materials. When teachers spend time figuring out technology, it reduces the time devoted to learning.
Preparing lessons to suit technological needs is time-consuming. For example, the lack of a fast, reliable internet connection will disrupt classes, thus reducing the number of hours dedicated to the curriculum. These problems chalk up to time wastage that could’ve been channeled for learning and practice.
5. Difficulty in Embracing Technology for Learning
Educational technology is still in its early stages. Teachers still need help to make their lessons fit digital learning systems.
When schools insist on adopting technology, they don’t always consider teacher preferences. Some teachers prefer to speak and use the whiteboard in class than communicate through screens.
Similarly, some students prefer writing on paper over making digital notes. This can cause a divide when technology is introduced in classrooms.
6. Ease of Distractions
Most teachers are slow to accept technology in their classrooms because they feel students will be distracted. This fear is well-founded. Students use electronic devices to play games, browse social media, and stay connected with friends. This makes it easier for students to wander off on the internet during class time.
As a result, teachers are skeptical about introducing learning materials into their digital classrooms because they want their students to stay locked in during classes.
7. Lack of ICT Support at Home
Most teachers or students don’t have personal computers at home. Even if they do, not many of them have access to support in case their device breaks down.
This lack of ICT support and infrastructure is prevalent mainly among people from indigenous, rural, and underprivileged homes. As a result, any technical malfunction will cut the student out of the general pool, leading to digitally-segregated classrooms.
8. Tech Fatigue
Using technology is fun, but too much of it can become exhausting. Coupled with all educational technology challenges, teachers and school administrators can experience tech fatigue.
Tech fatigue arises when much effort and funding are required to sustain technology use. Even though it helps students and teachers to become tech-savvy, it can be mind-draining.
When schools suddenly invest in eLearning software, they often require teachers to figure out those tools immediately. This often leads to fast burnout and tech fatigue.
9. Need for Cybersecurity
People go online to find helpful resources, but staying online can expose users to cyber threats, attacks, and viruses. Education technology also involves teaching students and teachers to use the internet cautiously.
These days, cyberattacks on schools are becoming sophisticated. Schools fall victim to hackers demanding large sums of money to restore their stolen data or software.
These challenges often dissuade teachers from switching to paperless classrooms and using technology for learning. Instead, they prefer to continue with paper-based strategies, which can be easily controlled.
Conclusion
Technology is providing better education opportunities, but not without challenges. School administrators constantly face the demerits of technology use while reaping the benefits.
But to maximize the benefits of using digital learning tools, schools must combat the tech challenges facing teachers and students. Instead of ignoring these problems, schools can harness the potential of digital-based learning.
No single technological solution can fix all your school’s problems, so be willing to work with teachers to find the best approach.
