It takes time to learn new tools and software, and with everything else faculty are asked to do, technology integration is often the last on the list. Allow faculty to learn a technology gradually. Give them the basics and then let them add to their use incrementally. Give them time to learn and practice. Provide personalized, individual support. Follow-up every time and provide ongoing support.
We don't treat computers the way we treat cars. Someone has to tell a car owner the maintenance to do when. Someone has to teach potential drivers how to obey the rules of the road. These are devices with very little potential compared to the possibilities of a computer.
ReplyDeleteGood point!
ReplyDeleteWhat can we do for the faculty who are just resistent to and/or scared about the idea of using technology in teaching?
ReplyDeleteI think the best way to reach those resistant faculty is to make individual, personal, contact. Offer to help them get started in a low-stress way. One-on-one, in their office, start with something easy and simple. Perhaps just a short meeting to show them some examples. Often times it is an awareness issue -- they may not even be aware of what is available and what the effect on teaching and learning may be.
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