Technology in the Classroom
Factors Which Influence the Successful Use Of Information Technology in the Classroom
Laura M. Rao, MBA, CDP
Computer & Office Information Systems
Rao@Cmsuvmb.Cmsu.Edu
(816) 543-8649 Fax: (816)543-8885
Pal V. Rao, Ph. D., CDP
Dean Of Library Services
Pal@Cmsuvmb.Cmsu.Edu
(816)543-4140 Fax:(816)543-8001
Central Missouri State University
Warrensburg Mo 64093
Why Information Technology?
- 1970 U.S. Commission on Instructional Technology
- To Improve Learning: an evaluation of instructional tech.
- 1965 Elementary Secondary Ed. Act
- 1965 Higher Ed. Act
Research Results
- No significant difference
- Tests were designed for "Chalk Talk" mode
Pre-Microprocessor Technology
- Telephone : Extension of voice
- Radio : Extension of ears
- Television : Extension of eyes
- Automobile: Extension of legs
- Appealed to single sense
- Individualized interaction
Microprocessor Technology
- Extension of brain
- Multi sensory
- Multi dimension
- Ability to control a number of media
Research Results
- Left brain VS Right brain
- Front quadrant VS Back quadrant
- Alternate learning styles
Research Results
- 1988 U.S. Congress. Office of Technology Assessment
- After 35 years of research, we have found that technology
- can be the key to higher level of achievement
Research Results
- 1996 Center for Applied Special Technology
- INTERNET improves learning among students
External Factors
- Legislatures are providing funds targeted for technology
- Parents demanding more technology
- President Clinton wants to connect all schools
- and libraries to INTERNET by 2000
Campus Environment
- Planning is vital
- Faculty ownership
- Simplicity
- Time investment
Campus Environment
- On going professional development
- Infrastructure
- Physical
- Support
- Rewards and Incentives
Inhibiting Factors
Faculty Perceptions
- IT eliminates or reduces need for teachers.
- Harvard Study: Higher ED cannot be sold to
- more than a third of the population.
- 1995 Chronicle of Higher Ed Data:
- Less than 20% some college ed.
- less than 14% four year degrees.
Faculty Perceptions
- 1970 GED graduates did not express interest in higher ed.
- 1990 60% GED graduates wish to pursue higher ed.
Influencing Factors
Administrative Responsibilities
- Provide funding
- Provide stable supportive environment
- Support educational innovation
- Reward structure
- Protect technology users
Administrative Responsibilities
- Realize time consuming nature of technology integration
- Help faculty find useful, intelligent applications of technology
- Hire support staff who understand the pedagogy
Faculty Responsibilities
- Recognize every technology not for every discipline
- "Universal" application technologies are not necessarily appropriate
- Technology does not make life easier
Faculty Responsibilities
- Need to see valuable reasons for using technology
- Invest in the necessary time to learn the technology
- Need to understand what motivates learners
Faculty Responsibilities
- Recognize the paradigm shift
- Be willing to learn from students
- Be willing to take time to teach the technology to the students
Faculty Concerns
- Losing control of knowledge base to students
- Not accustomed to being beginning learners
- Technology breaks down
Student Responsibilities
- Be responsible for their own learning
- Need realistic expectations
- Pay attention to detail
Student Responsibilities
- Make sure you have access to technology
- Motivate yourself to learn
- Adults learn skills to solve immediate problems
Thank You for Your Attention
- We shared our thoughts with you!
- What are your thoughts & questions on this topic?
Laura M. Rao, MBA, CDP
(816) 543-8649
Fax: (816)543-8885
Pal V. Rao, Ph. D., CDP
(816)543-4140
Fax:(816)543-8001