How to Overcome classroom technophobia


ipad
Technophobia is a fear of technology. It is a condition that certainly exists in schools, often among teachers who are expected to use technology effectively in cross-curricular activities and in the new computing curriculum. While you might assume the condition is more prevalent among educators who are less “tech-savvy”, from personal experience, it affects those who are digitally literate too.
And with more and more technology being used in schools, technophobia is something that teachers need to overcome or risking falling behind the times – and behind their students.
Here are tips for getting rid of the fear:
  1. Don’t be put off by terminology 
    There are so many acronyms and unfamiliar words in the technological world.  This new “language” is overwhelming at first. However, jot words down and you’ll soon realise there aren’t as many as you think. It won’t be long before you know your “augmented reality” from your “m-learning”.
     
  2. Don’t attempt to do everything at once
    Try one app or website first and plan carefully how it will be used in a lesson. You can started by asking students to download an app and delivering what turned out to be a successful lesson. This will give them confidence to try more things.
     
  3. Talk about it
    Be honest and talk to colleagues and friends about your worries.  A lot of them will be feeling the same. You can then share ideas and plan together. Ask colleagues for support − there will be teachers who have more tech experience; work with them.
     
  4. Ask for training 
    Despite more technology being used in lessons and for administrative procedures, there is often very little training for teachers about how to use new tools.  Speak to school leaders and request that they provide internal training or bring in outside support. 
     
  5. Embrace the fact that your students may know a lot more than you
    When thinking about which apps to use, you keep pondering: “What if my students are better than me?” Children are now so used to technology that they seem fearless about finding out new things.  In lessons, You constantly hear: “Look what else this app can do!” It is key to welcome their ideas and ask them to share them with the whole class.
     
  6. Don’t use technology for the sake of it
    Do use it if it will have an impact on your pupils' learning. Don’t use it to look “whizzy” or because you haven’t used it much over the week.




Culled from tes.

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