By Kat Sanders

The effectiveness of a nation’s education system relies in large part to keeping teaching materials relevant. In our current economy that largely means integrating the latest technology and teaching techniques into the classroom. Because adopting new technology necessarily means a break with tried-and-true methods, administrators need to take steps to encourage teachers to make the leap. Here are five suggestions:

1. Keep Learning Schedules Flexible and Responsive.

Keep in mind that teachers are just like the students in that they will learn at different rates. Develop a comprehensive training program, but allow the faculty to learn at their own speed. Avoid putting overt pressure on them to become competent in a new technology too quickly. Just as with students, teachers who feel overwhelmed by new technologies will shut down and become defensive rather than integrate and adopt the novel technology.

2. Maintain a deliberate integration road map.

There will be plenty of staff members that are already advanced when it comes to using computers but for the ones that are a little slower maintain a steady training pace. Lay out a specific road map of how the learning process will proceed, and on occasion offer optional “catch-up” sessions where teachers can ask specific questions.

3. Create a rewards system.

Implementing such a training regimen may often require teachers to spend more time than the district allows for in a pay structure. Anyone will be more apt to quit on a project if they’re not being properly rewarded. Compensate teachers if they’re spending more than the allotted time on the training. That doesn’t necessarily mean through pay, it could be extra vacation time, or assignment perks like not having to work the after-school car pickup line.

4. Create a punishment system.

Just as people respond to a rewards system, many also respond to a system that imposes costs for non-compliance. Add technology integration as a factor in teacher evaluations, and create strict integration benchmarks so that teachers know when they are falling behind. If you’re serious about the program, then chances are your staff will get on board as well.

5. Make teachers feel comfortable.

Many, at first, will resist the influx of computers or new technology integrated learning into their classrooms.
But if you can make feel at ease by presenting to them the full spectrum of possibilities out there in a very practical format, then they will warm up. Appeal to a teacher’s passion in their given subject area of expertise and show them a computer program that will open their eyes to new, different ways of teaching their subject.

The importance of integrating new technology into the classroom, whether it be computer based learning, multi-media lesson integration, or any other advancement is a vital addition to the educational process. If properly administrated, technology integration can be exciting and pleasant for teachers, and serve the ultimate goal, of providing more relevant information and skills for students.