Classroom Technology

Technical Difficulties

By Ian Quillen — October 11, 2010 1 min read
  • Save to favorites
  • Print

Despite being younger and fresh out of teacher-training programs, less experienced teachers are no more likely to use technology in the classroom than their more experienced colleagues, according to a study.

The finding, one of five “myths” the study refutes about teachers and technology, challenges the assumption that growing up technology-literate translates into being comfortable using technology as a teaching—or learning—tool. The study is based on a nationwide survey of more than 1,000 K-12 teachers, principals, and assistant principals. The survey was conducted by Grunwald Associates of Bethesda, Md., in partnership with Walden University.

Teacher Tech Use and 21st-Century Skills Instruction

According to a nationwide survey, teachers who described themselves as frequent technology users were more likely to place a greater emphasis on so-called 21st-century skills instruction and to perceive a stronger effect from student technology use on the development of these skills.

SOURCE: Walden University, “Educators, Technology and 21st-Century Skills: Dispelling Five Myths”

BRIC ARCHIVE

The researchers also found that administrators and teachers often differ about how best to support technology use in schools; that teachers don’t feel they receive enough professional development to help them effectively integrate available technology into their classrooms; and that teachers who are frequent users of technology are more likely to emphasize instruction in so-called 21st-century learning skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking (see graphic).

A version of this article appeared in the October 12, 2010 edition of Teacher PD Sourcebook

Events

This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Assessment Webinar
Reflections on Evidence-Based Grading Practices: What We Learned for Next Year
Get real insights on evidence-based grading from K-12 leaders.
Content provided by Otus
Mathematics Webinar How to Build Students’ Confidence in Math
Learn practical tips to build confident mathematicians in our webinar.
Student Achievement K-12 Essentials Forum How to Build and Scale Effective K-12 State & District Tutoring Programs
Join this free virtual summit to learn from education leaders, policymakers, and industry experts on the topic of high-impact tutoring.

EdWeek Top School Jobs

Teacher Jobs
Search over ten thousand teaching jobs nationwide — elementary, middle, high school and more.
View Jobs
Principal Jobs
Find hundreds of jobs for principals, assistant principals, and other school leadership roles.
View Jobs
Administrator Jobs
Over a thousand district-level jobs: superintendents, directors, more.
View Jobs
Support Staff Jobs
Search thousands of jobs, from paraprofessionals to counselors and more.
View Jobs

Read Next

Classroom Technology Instagram Wants Teachers to Report Cyberbullying. But How Much Will That Help?
The social media platform created a program designed to help educators report instances of potential cyberbullying.
2 min read
Conceptual image of cyberbullying.
iStock/Getty
Classroom Technology Q&A The Steps Schools Should Take So All Students Can Use Ed Tech
An expert outlines what schools need to do to ensure that ed tech is accessible for students with special needs.
4 min read
Image of a laptop with icons for accessibility: translation, sound, magnification, etc.
Collage via iStock/Getty
Classroom Technology How Playing Minecraft Can Help Students Learn Coding Skills
Washington and other states have partnered with Minecraft Education to teach coding and other computer science skills.
3 min read
Photo illustration of a blue screen full of code with the icon of a gaming control overlaying the code.
DigitalVision Vectors
Classroom Technology Here's How Many Elementary Students Have Their Own Cellphones and Tablets
The use of cellphones and tablets by young children in school raises concerns about too much screen time.
5 min read
A duotone photograph of a group of elementary students sitting together and looking at their cellphones
Canva