It could be proposed
that there are a number of barriers to the effective use of technology in education.
For the propose of this blog these barriers shall be categorised into three sections,
which include ; barriers at an individual level, with educators (teachers, not being
up to date with the most current ITC equipment) and issues within the education
system( funding to implement and train teachers to use up to date technology
within their teaching practice). This blog shall analysis the assumption that combined
these factors place limitations on how ITC is utilised within education.
At an individual level, there are a number of barriers that prevent the individual from being fully engaged within an educational system that utilises computer technology ( Mc Cormick, Murphy, and Harrison, 1993). To illustrate this point, please consider the following example; if an individual is IT illiterate it is extremely difficult for them to engage in activities that require the use of computer technology. This may include keeping up to date with the course due. Due to the fact t that within many institutions, the majority of hand-out are only available on a blackboard/moddle programme which has been specifically designed for their institution and course. Furthermore, lack of ITC ability can also impact on handing in assignments correctly and on time as most establishments require the student to utilise Turnitin to submit work. Finally, it could be proposed that limited computer literacy places a great deal of added stress upon the individual in terms of research as they are limited in their research as they can only use books to conduct research. Although, books are truly a fantastic resource it could be suggested that in order to gain access to the most up to date information. In regards to the majority of disciplines are done so with ease online as it enables individuals to retrieve and utilised primary evidence within their academic research. (Sutherland, John, and Robertson, 2007).
A prominent argument that has continually surfaced within the literature concerning ICT and education is the notion that ICT detracts from teaching (Sutherland, John, and Robertson, 2007). Suggesting that the ITC itself is a barrier to learning. In accordance to this argument, it could be suggested that one possible explanation as to why issues may arise within the educational system. Is the result of the wide range of ICT skills teachers are required to utilise to conduct their lessons in accordance with the national standards in reference ICT. Moreover, according to Jager and Lokman (1999) a key problem experienced as a result of the implementation of ICT in education is the lack of ITC ability of many educators. Therefore, it is logical to propose that in some incidents, an educator attempting to operate complicated equipment may divert from the learning objectives as a result. Therefore, it seems logical that ITC plays such an important role not only within teacher’s training but also as part of teachers continued professional development. In order to address the question, in regards to barriers against ICT within education. It could be proposed that if the educators are not up to date and fully engaged with ITC then this could pose as a barrier for students and their development of technology within education.
At an economic level, it is apparent that the cost implication of installing up to date ICT equipment that is fit for purpose is of great detriment to the budgets of many local authority educational establishments. Although, it is evident that the cost implication of the installation and upkeep of expensive ITC equipment make obtaining them partially difficult, especially during a time where the education sector is being continually squeezed and drained of resources. Nevertheless, It could be suggested that it is crucial that these investments are made in order to ensure that the United Kingdome are producing individuals who are able to compete at a global level which in the long term is good economics. (Jager and Lokman, 1999)
In conclusion, it could be argued that although there are a number of barriers that affect the effective use of technology within the education system. Further to this that it is of paramount importance that they are addressed. As it could be proposed, that lack of sufficient funding for ITC equipment for an educational establishment is a barrier that will have a lasting impact upon the next generation and their job prospects within a global economy.
References
Mc Cormick, R, Murphy, P and Harrison, M (1993)Teaching and Learning technology, Open University press, Cornwall
Jager, A and Lokman, A (1999) Impact of ICT in education: The role of a teacher and teaches training.Stoas Reseach, Weigeningen, The Netherlands. - Presented to the European conference on educational research, Lahti, Finland.
Sutherland, R., John, P. and Robertson, S. (2007) Improving Learning with ICT. London: Routledge.
At an individual level, there are a number of barriers that prevent the individual from being fully engaged within an educational system that utilises computer technology ( Mc Cormick, Murphy, and Harrison, 1993). To illustrate this point, please consider the following example; if an individual is IT illiterate it is extremely difficult for them to engage in activities that require the use of computer technology. This may include keeping up to date with the course due. Due to the fact t that within many institutions, the majority of hand-out are only available on a blackboard/moddle programme which has been specifically designed for their institution and course. Furthermore, lack of ITC ability can also impact on handing in assignments correctly and on time as most establishments require the student to utilise Turnitin to submit work. Finally, it could be proposed that limited computer literacy places a great deal of added stress upon the individual in terms of research as they are limited in their research as they can only use books to conduct research. Although, books are truly a fantastic resource it could be suggested that in order to gain access to the most up to date information. In regards to the majority of disciplines are done so with ease online as it enables individuals to retrieve and utilised primary evidence within their academic research. (Sutherland, John, and Robertson, 2007).
A prominent argument that has continually surfaced within the literature concerning ICT and education is the notion that ICT detracts from teaching (Sutherland, John, and Robertson, 2007). Suggesting that the ITC itself is a barrier to learning. In accordance to this argument, it could be suggested that one possible explanation as to why issues may arise within the educational system. Is the result of the wide range of ICT skills teachers are required to utilise to conduct their lessons in accordance with the national standards in reference ICT. Moreover, according to Jager and Lokman (1999) a key problem experienced as a result of the implementation of ICT in education is the lack of ITC ability of many educators. Therefore, it is logical to propose that in some incidents, an educator attempting to operate complicated equipment may divert from the learning objectives as a result. Therefore, it seems logical that ITC plays such an important role not only within teacher’s training but also as part of teachers continued professional development. In order to address the question, in regards to barriers against ICT within education. It could be proposed that if the educators are not up to date and fully engaged with ITC then this could pose as a barrier for students and their development of technology within education.
At an economic level, it is apparent that the cost implication of installing up to date ICT equipment that is fit for purpose is of great detriment to the budgets of many local authority educational establishments. Although, it is evident that the cost implication of the installation and upkeep of expensive ITC equipment make obtaining them partially difficult, especially during a time where the education sector is being continually squeezed and drained of resources. Nevertheless, It could be suggested that it is crucial that these investments are made in order to ensure that the United Kingdome are producing individuals who are able to compete at a global level which in the long term is good economics. (Jager and Lokman, 1999)
In conclusion, it could be argued that although there are a number of barriers that affect the effective use of technology within the education system. Further to this that it is of paramount importance that they are addressed. As it could be proposed, that lack of sufficient funding for ITC equipment for an educational establishment is a barrier that will have a lasting impact upon the next generation and their job prospects within a global economy.
References
Mc Cormick, R, Murphy, P and Harrison, M (1993)Teaching and Learning technology, Open University press, Cornwall
Jager, A and Lokman, A (1999) Impact of ICT in education: The role of a teacher and teaches training.Stoas Reseach, Weigeningen, The Netherlands. - Presented to the European conference on educational research, Lahti, Finland.
Sutherland, R., John, P. and Robertson, S. (2007) Improving Learning with ICT. London: Routledge.
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