Barriers to the effective use of technology in education.

“Pupils should be given opportunities to apply and develop their ICT capability through the use of ICT tools to support their learning in all subjects”(ICT curriculum, 2012)Is the first line from the government’s ICT curriculum, it clearly states their view in supporting the use of ICT teaching and learning to current and future pupils.  There are a few barriers that I would like to discuss:-

1.    Teachers – A fundamental part of the process and how adaptable to change are they.

2.    Cost – How cost effective is ICT?

3.    Disadvantages.

Teachers

Transformational leadership is how I see a good leader and this can also be applied to a teacher/lecture/instructor/coach.  How many “fossils “do we see and know scared or intimidated by change.  Evolving and educating the teacher is probably the main priority, a review from The National Commission on Education in 1993 had the foresight to realise the future in technology. “Teachers...need training and support to adapt successfully to flexible learning, managing independent learning, involving people in the community and making full use of advanced technology.”  (Education, 1993)

Cost

Cost is not just for the initial outlay of equipment; but the constant updating of technology and software to coincide with evolving products and resources.  A certain amount of the cost has to be set aside for the training of the people delivering the academic material, and again, this is a constant outlay due to change of staff and technology etc.

Disadvantages

Do we lose the interaction and the chance to engage with the students where technology supplies for the masses?  The learning environment would change from a personal classroom relationship with peers and tutors to a cyber based relationship losing the basic communication and socialisation skills humans cherish.

These are in my opinion some of the barriers that could be faced with technology in education, they may seem bias and I am sure there are many more. I have not discussed students and their barriers, particularly in further education as there is possibly an age and ICT confidence issue.  But as harsh as this seems, they can overcome their issues and reluctance and I am testimony to that!   I have also not covered the positives or the advantages...maybe another day?

Education, N. C. (1993). Learning to succeed. London: Heinemann.

ICT curriculum. (2012, 02 12). Retrieved 12 03, 2013, from Department for Education: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/curriculum/a00199693/use-of-ict