You are developing a unit for which you want to integrate technology in your classroom. You have found an excellent virtual lab that demonstrates a concept that you may not have the appropriate lab materials for. In addition to the virtual lab, you find a Discovery Ed tech book that has a few lessons that students can review to gain a better understanding of the concept. Finally, you find an excellent YouTube video that will serve as the “hook” to engage your students. Now that you have developed your unit plan, you have to seek out and secure your technology. You visit your media specialist/tech facilitator/troubleshooter to secure the iPad cart for two days. They tell you that the iPad cart has been checked out, but that you may use the laptop cart. That’s fine with you, as you prefer the stability and dependability of the laptops. You check out the laptop cart and prepare for what you hope is an excellent and engaging lesson. In your eagerness and excitement, you forgot to check on the condition of the laptops in the cart. I know the media specialist/tech facilitator/troubleshooter informed you that there 16 laptops in each cart, but, they were unaware that your colleague returned the carts in less than fair condition. So, you find that there are several laptops that are missing chargers, buttons on the keyboard are missing and/or broke, and the laptop cart is short a few (i.e. 10) computers. So, you are left with 18 “usable” computers for your class of 28 students. That’s fine, you’ll make do as you always do. Alright, this is the first day of the unit, and you are prepared to show your YouTube video. There is one problem. The connection, or lack thereof, is extremely slow today. Again, you make do and proceed to introduce your unit in another manner.
As you can see, the scenario above highlights some of the challenges with technology in the classroom. Challenges such as availability, internet speed/connectivity, access and maintenance of technology are some of the major challenges associated with using technology in the classroom. Stay tuned as the scenario continues…..