Teachers’ View of Computers as Catalysts for Changes in Their Teaching Practice

Sara L. Dexter and Ronald E. Anderson, University of Minnesota
Henry Jay Becker, University of California, Irvine

This article discusses the idea of whether or not technology/computers can be used as the catalyst for educational reform. While the introduction stated that many policy makers and educators felt that computers could be a catalyst, a study conducted in the late 1990s showed that most teachers felt technology was less of a catalyst and more of a facilitator for change. I agree with this point of view. I believe that the use of technology in the classroom is extremely important. However, as mentioned by a few of the teachers in the study, the teachers and school culture make the decisions for change, and technology is then an excellent support system for implementing the desired changes.

One reason for lack of technology integration, as stated in the article, is lack of proper training. I feel that teachers are most certainly more likely to properly implement technology into the classroom (as more than just a “tool”) if they have attended classes that show them how to use and then integrate this technology successfully. Many first-year teachers are simply worried about getting the information across to students correctly, while maintaining a certain level of discipline in the classroom. These teachers, understandably so, do not have nearly the time that veterans do to sit back and reflect upon how to include technology in their lessons as an integral part, rather than just an add-on. Thus, if they are properly trained ahead of time, this technology integration will come more easily to them.

Finally, I really enjoyed the statement by one teacher, which explained that she was doing her best to stay away from delivering the information to her students, and instead letting them discover it on their own. This was really hard, she said. I feel that with this change in personal teaching philosophy more technology can be incorporated because the technology is an excellent resource for self-guided exploration.

Overall, I believe that while computers are certainly aiding teachers in the implementation of new, creative ways to help students learn, they will never take over as a catalyst for change. Teachers, their experiences, gained knowledge through classes, and school culture will ultimately be the catalysts for change.