The integration of technology in the classroom has arguably transformed the K-12 educational landscape in many positive ways. It’s opened up new ways of teaching and learning that are more efficient and effective for teachers, as well as more engaging and enriching for students.
In particular, the use of new AI tools can help teachers save time by streamlining tasks like grading tests, creating rubrics, and developing lesson plans. AI tools can help assess students’ comprehension of assignments, and even provide insights into students’ mental health and wellbeing.
2 in 3 teachers have not used AI-driven tools in their classrooms.
Of these, more than half say they have no plans to start.
Source: EdWeek Research Center survey of educators conducted between Nov. 30 and Dec. 6, 2023
At the same time, students benefit by working with AI-powered learning platforms that are interactive and adaptive. By providing immediate feedback and allowing students to work at their own pace, AI tools don’t just foster greater engagement, they can also support personalization and acceleration.
Yet, despite these benefits, many teachers are still uncomfortable with the use of technology in the classroom. Research released by ISTE in the fall of 2023 found that 56% of new teachers don’t feel confident using instructional technologies before they enter the classroom.
Even teachers who are using learning technologies may have reservations about the use of AI. A recent survey from EdWeek Research Center found that only one in three educators have used AI-driven tools and technology in the classroom. Of the remaining two-thirds who haven’t used AI, 29% say they plan to start using AI tools in the future, while 37% say they have no plans to start.
Why Teachers Aren’t Using Technology in the Classroom
What’s behind the low teacher adoption of technology? Here are the five reasons most often mentioned.
Insufficient Training
Many teachers, including 55% of the new teachers surveyed in the ISTE research, feel they have not received enough training on how to integrate technology into their curriculum. Without sufficient training, they lack both the technical skills and confidence to use technology effectively.
Lack of Time
Learning and integrating new technology takes time. Many teachers already report feeling stressed, tired, and overworked. Unless time is provided for them to learn technology, most will be hard-pressed to find the time themselves.
Doubts about Effectiveness
Teachers will naturally question the educational value of any new tool, whether technology-related or not. If they aren’t convinced that it will contribute to student learning outcomes, they will understandably be reluctant to invest time and energy into learning it.
Fear of Replacement or Irrelevance
Some teachers worry that an increased reliance on technology and AI could minimize or even replace their role in the classroom. If they already feel unsupported or marginalized, these concerns can cause them to dig in their heels and become stubbornly resistant to the use of technology in the classroom.
Resistance to Change
Change may be the one constant, but it also sparks resistance in many people. In fact, it’s often the not-so-obvious culprit when major change initiatives fail to produce the desired outcomes — and implementing technology falls into this category.
Practical Tips to Increase Teacher Adoption of Technology in the Classroom
Once you understand the reasons your teachers aren’t using technology, you have the beginnings of a roadmap to improve the success rate of future technology rollouts. Here are some specific tips that can help you implement technology more effectively and, in doing so, improve teacher adoption and usage.
Dedicate Time for Technology PD
Since lack of time and training are significant contributors to low tech adoption, this is an obvious place to start. When implementing any new technology, be sure to allocate dedicated time to train your teachers. Giving them the time, space, and tools to learn the technology and gain confidence will significantly improve adoption rates.
Vendors can often help with this by providing virtual or in-person training, as well as video tutorials, knowledge base articles, and other support materials. ISTE also provides vendor-neutral technology training through its ISTE Certification for Educators program.
More time for PD is needed if we want to help teachers adapt to today’s [technology-enabled] learning environments.
Source: 2022 ISTE Certification Survey Highlights
Assess Training Needs
Training can’t be viewed as one-size-fits-all. Some teachers will have a high level of tech proficiency and comfort with new tools, while others will need more foundational support to get up to speed.
Surveying or interviewing your teachers will help you understand their comfort levels and training needs. It will also help them feel like they’re involved in and valuable to the process. In addition to asking questions specific to the technology you’re implementing, you might also ask more general questions, like those shown below.
Tailor Trainings to Teacher Needs
Using the assessment results, you can determine what types of training are needed. You might offer two or more levels of training to address varying skill levels and specific needs.
As part of your training, be sure to address how the tool specifically supports teaching and/or learning to overcome any doubts about its effectiveness. For example, if it improves student outcomes, highlight the types of improvements that can be expected and provide some case studies if possible. Or if it can make lesson planning easier, demonstrate this by providing opportunities for them to practice using the tool to develop actual plans.
Provide Ongoing Training & Support
Training isn’t a one-and-done exercise. Inevitably, teachers come and go, and tech tools add new features over time. To cover ongoing training needs, be sure to offer annual training for new teachers, as well as offer continuing education opportunities to help teachers use technology tools to their full advantage.
Consider the use of peer-to-peer training and peer learning communities as well. Many educators cite that peers play a large role in their use of technology tools.
Start Small
Whether you’re implementing technology for the first time or the 50th, a phased approach will give teachers time to adjust without overwhelming them. By taking things slowly, you can monitor progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure teachers are getting the foundational training and support they need before you introduce more advanced skills.
Start with Classroom Management
Introducing simple and user-friendly tools that specifically address typical complaints and challenges is another way to get teachers more comfortable with technology in the classroom.
Classroom management is one of those tools.
Securly Classroom helps teachers defeat digital distractions and keep their students engaged in learning. Offering a host of helpful features, Securly Classroom gives teachers visibility and control of student devices, so they feel more confident teaching technology-enabled classes.
With Securly Classroom, teachers can:
- See each student’s screen from their own device
- Lock/freeze student screens
- Push website links to student devices
- Share their screen, an open tab, or application
- Create custom block lists — and more
To learn how other districts and schools are using Securly Classroom to help their teachers feel more comfortable with technology, check out these case studies:
Curious to learn more ways IT can help support student safety, wellness, and engagement?
Visit www.securly.com