So, I have always been that guy in my school that when colleagues have trouble with their computer or technology, they come find me. Since day one I’ve always tried to incorporate technology use into the classroom, whether it be using iPads, iPod touches, video cameras, laptops, chromebooks, etc…

With that in mind, I’ll admit, one of the top challenges teachers face is dealing with using technology in their classrooms. For some teachers it’s enough of a challenge to avoid using technology all together. For them, it is not worth the time and effort to learn the tech use, plan a tech use in a lesson, execute the integration of the tech, troubleshoot issues and have a completion or final product.  With pressures of high-stakes testing, limited devices – the simple.

Another challenge to using technology in the classroom stems from the student side of things. I have found that students come into my class with varying degrees of proficiency and familiarity with technology. Many factors contribute to this including the students background experiences, socioeconomic status and access to technology. Because of this variance, some students are more adaptable to assignments involving technology, others are not. And yet a third challenge – the technology and availability of those devices. Some schools do not have the means to provide technology for their students. Other schools may have large populations and low ratios of students to devices that teachers may have a difficult time scheduling time with technology. Solutions that I use in my classroom:

1) I have to be intentional about using technology and therefore “teaching” how to use the technology. I have to accept that role to produce digital learners that are proficient in using technology, even though it may not be in my “curriculum.”

2) BYOT – Our district is moving to a Bring Your Own Technology (this concept is the new buzz word I think in many school districts.) process in the schools, where students can bring and use their own devices in the classroom. This helps mitigate the lack of resources. Also, think of it this way – what would happen if we told students they couldn’t bring their own pencils to school?

3) Obtain and share resources. Just like anything else that is worth getting for our students, I have to accept the responsibility of trying to obtain technology for instructional use. That might mean writing grants or lobbying for more funds. Once I get those resources, I have a responsibility to share with other teachers for other students’ benefits and share my expertise on using those skills.