Six fundamental ideas about teachers' use of technology

Key points:

Teachers' use of technology in the classroom continues to grow, according to a recent SMART Technologies survey lumio software, which reveals compelling data about teachers' experiences, challenges, and preferences regarding the use of technology in education.

The survey provides valuable information about the current state of technology integration in classrooms.

Teachers' use of technology continues to grow
The survey shows a high percentage of digital adoption and dependence on educational technology. Eighty-five percent of respondents integrate technology into their lessons a few times a week, if not every day. Nearly 40 percent of teachers describe their relationship with classroom technology as one of necessity.

Closing the diverse learning gap
Seventy-two percent of respondents believe their students would describe them as tech-savvy, and 70 percent feel equipped to effectively support all types of students in the classroom, including those who are neurodivergent and those who need support extra to help them connect with their learning.

“More than a third of educators say greater student engagement is one of the biggest benefits of using technology in the classroom,” said Dan McMahon, vice president of software at SMART Technologies. “Teachers also recognized the critical ability to personalize learning for each student and adapt to diverse learning needs through technology.”

technology wish lists
If educators could have any technology tools for their classroom, 46 percent say interactive displays with advanced features would be at the top of their lists. 39 percent of teachers affirm that platforms with ready-made teaching content are also highly sought after.

Not updated
Thirty percent of educators cited technical issues (“things don't work!”) as the biggest challenge to technology integration, highlighting the need for reliable platforms and devices, as well as consistent and ongoing technical support from districts schoolchildren and educational technology partners. In terms of technology, the majority of educators (56 percent) reported that their classrooms run on technology that is too outdated to be suitable for current students and teaching methodologies.

Digital distraction
A quarter (25 percent) of educators said that student distraction is their key challenge when integrating technology into teaching, and that their students do not use devices to learn. In particular, student cell phone use in the classroom remains a big problem: Nearly 40 percent of teachers see cell phones as a major distraction, and only 23 percent see them as a tool. useful when handled properly.

Time is of the essence
Educators said they spend most of their free time creating or planning lessons for their students. They spend almost the same time reviewing their students' assignments. In general, teachers spend more personal time creating lessons and reviewing assignments than they do socializing with friends and family, cooking, exercising, and traveling.

Forty-four percent of teachers believe the biggest misconception about teachers is that they have an “easy job” with a lot of free time. The demand for platforms with ready-made educational content reveals a critical need for time-saving resources.

“Educators' time is precious. Between lesson planning and grading assignments, every minute counts,” said Dan McMahon. “Survey results show that teachers are motivated by the opportunity to positively impact the lives of their students, so we are providing tools that enrich their work in the classroom and free up time for the personal moments and activities that matter to them.” out of school. .”

This press release <a target="_blank" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survey-reveals-critical-insight-into-teachers-technology-use-and-challenges-302321343.html”>originally appeared online.

eSchool Media staff covers educational technology in all its aspects, from legislation and litigation to best practices, lessons learned and new products. First published in March 1998 as a monthly print and digital newspaper, eSchool Media provides the news and information needed to help K-20 decision makers successfully use technology and innovation to transform schools and universities. and achieve their educational goals.

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