ENABLING CONDITIONS FOR EFFECTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION IN SCHOOLS

This article talks about the prerequisites for the effective and integrated technology in schools. It has raised several important issues viz.
Ø The limitation of equating of schools with a couple of computer labs with schools that use technology. Technology is a more encompassing frontier. Currently the piecemeal efforts of the educational institutions are being passed off as the real thing.
Ø The fear and awe with which most adults/teachers view technology driven tools as opposed to the children
Ø The need to develop a comfortable, symbiotic relation between the teachers, students and technology
Ø To this end, all teachers [not just the computer teachers] need to be exposed, guided, encouraged and scaffolded to integrate technology in their personal and professional lives
Ø School leaders need to think about providing technology to the teachers and administration for their use. This involves
o Provision of infrastructure beyond computer labs
o Provision of guidance on teaching/ living with technology
o Provision of time to become comfortable with these aids
o Provision of a Helpdesk is crucial
This comfort level establishment and technology integration is essential for the teachers to
Ø Keep pace with the students and the world outside
Ø Facilitate the teaching and learning process
Ø Confidently share resources with the world
Ø Justify and sustain the initial extra expense involved in putting the infra structure in place.

The teacher themselves need to be motivated to incorporate technology in their lives. The need has to be perceived and expressed by the teachers to galvanize the education leaders to providing condition that enable them to integrate technology in mainstream education.