Challenges of Integrating Technology in the Classroom

I believe there are three important factors which affect integration of technology in school systems. These factors include funding, school curriculum, and classroom space. Unfortunately, not all schools are privileged to have access to computer labs. Funding affects cuts in electives, extra curricular activites, and educational advancements such as technology. If there is not enough money to provide computers in school, students will be missing out on an innovative tool to learn. To overcome this hurdle, teachers can express to the school board the importance of technology in the classroom. There are usually monthly board of education meetings in communities. Teachers can ask representatives of the board and fellow tax payers to consider funding technology in classrooms.

Classroom space is another factor which affects the integration of technology in the classroom. For instance, if there is a large number of students in a class, there may not be enough computers for each individual to use. Collaboration and cooperation become apparent in this situation. Students will be forced to share computers. This could be a disadvantage because it takes away from the amount of time they get to use working with the computer. Teachers can overcome this dilemma by assigning homework for students to do on their home computers because most students have access to one.

Lastly, school curriculum is another factor which affects integration of technology in school systems. Curriculum is easily defined as what is being taught in schools. Some schools may focus much of the school year on prepartation for standardized testing which is implemented in their curriculum. If time is alloted to these tests, it takes away from other learning, including the use of technology and computers. Other schools may believe in notebook and textbook form of learning rather than digital learning. Teachers can overcome this obstacle if she creates a website of her own to students to base assignments off of. For homework assignments, students can access their teacher's website which for example, may be a blog. Children can comment on her blog. This way they can integrate curriculum into their learning experience outside of the classroom.