The opinion section of our newspaper recently had an editorial about using technology in the classroom. The author lamented about the fact that a lot of teachers make excuses, fail to embrace new technology, and prefer keeping their classrooms more along the traditional lines. In other words, their fear of technology is preventing them from preparing their students for the real world. The author writes:
Every year, teachers have the opportunity to extend what happens in their classrooms to the outside world through technology. And every year, I watch as so many refuse to do just that. The excuses usually revolve around age and how things have "always been done."
Did I read the word "age" in the last paragraph? The article sent me whirling back into time. You should see what it did to my hairdo! The memories of young teachers catching on quickly in computer training classes and looking askance at anyone who didn't "get it" the first time came flooding back to me. I love technology since I have found a few patient teachers. If one didn't grow up with their thumbs flying into action on a Gameboy or using computers, it just takes a little bit longer.
Here is my point. Why not help at least one teacher get past the fear of using new technology by offering patient and kind help? Don't just give a quick, five minute lesson and expect the person to have it. It could be like the "pay it forward" idea. Pick out one person. Help that person until they achieve success and are comfortable with the process. Sometimes it's not a refusal to use technology. It's the lack of patient instructors.
I'm sure there are some teachers who really don't want to use technology in their classrooms, but I'm betting there are a lot who just need a patient friend.