I found this article during my research for my obstacles in technology integration paper. The author addresses five key obstacles in technology integration, and while there might be slight differences in wording from some of the obstacles we discussed in class, the major themes remain the same.
The first obstacle, Lack of Clear Vision, addresses the big picture issues of technology implementation. How will this technology will be used on larger scale, what are the expectations of the staff, how will this technology be supported, etc.?
The second obstacle addresses the intent of the school district and administrators with regard to how this technology will be used, how staff will be trained, support, etc. Lack of Leadership is basically a lack of planning.
Critical Mass, the third obstacle, refers to the lack of available technology for teachers. In other words, how can teachers be expected to use tech if there isn't enough to go around.
The Lack of Incentive is the fourth obstacle. This refers to a lack of faith in working technology, support and financial incentives for teachers.
Lastly, all of these factors combine to form the final obstacle, Lack of Faculty Participation. This refers to staff buy-in, attitudes, etc.
I found it interesting that many of these "obstacles" were human in nature as opposed to financial. My own experience reflects this idea, as I have often found my colleagues to be the largest hurdle in implementing new technology in my department. Whether its fear of new tools or methods, lack of faith in the technology or support, laziness!, etc. It seems someone is always opposed to new technology efforts. I can usually find ways around money, administrators, and every other problem I run into. But my fellow staff members...? Haven't figured that one out yet :)
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