Teachers, Are You The Problem With Technology

Teachers must incorporate technology since students are 21st century learners. It's all teachers hear. "Be sure to utilize technology." "Lecture only won't cut it." "Where's your smartboard?" "How many computers are in your classroom for students to use?" Teachers hear it constantly. Educators are aware that technology is here. They even understand students prefer playing with technology over completing homework assignments and studying for tests.

On the other hand, if teachers are not prepared to utilize the technology in the classroom, then where is the value? Let's address some questions. Are teachers prepared to utilize it? Are they provided adequate introduction and training to the equipment? Do they have time to learn how to use it? Teachers, you must make time to engage in technology. Do not be afraid. Children want to be able to use it. Wanting students to be engaged requires changing the dates on those lesson plans, incorporating differentiated instruction, and meeting the needs of all those students in that classroom.

Repetitive professional development days, fear of facing the facts and future, and spending Winter Break, Thanksgiving Break, and Spring Break at home, shopping, etc, and not seeking ways to engage students is detrimental to a classroom. When teachers lack the necessary tools needed for success, should they be blamed for the reason students aren't effective 21st century learners?