Most K-12 Teachers in America Would Not Give Themselves an “A” in Educational Technology Skills
September 08 2016 - 6:00AM
Business Wire
Majority of teachers desire more technology
training, finds University of Phoenix national K-12 Teacher
survey
Technology continues to reshape the student experience and
redefine the way education and learning are delivered in
classrooms, but many teachers feel they are leaving opportunity on
the table. More than half (55 percent) of K-12 teachers use
educational technology in the classroom on a daily basis, with nine
in ten saying they do so at least weekly. However, two in five (43
percent) rate themselves average or below average, and only 15
percent of K-12 teachers would give themselves an “A” in
educational technology skills1, according to a recent University of
Phoenix® College of Education survey conducted online by Harris
Poll among 1,005 U.S. K-12 teachers.
It appears educators understand the need to improve their
classroom tech savvy, as more than half (51 percent) of K-12
teachers say they want to learn more about integrating technology
into the classroom2.
“Teachers are deliberate and thoughtful in their approach to
student learning, and with continuing advancements in technology,
it can be difficult for districts and teachers to determine the
best way to effectively use these tools,” said Kathy Cook, dean of
educational technology for University of Phoenix College of
Education and former K-12 educator. “The good news is that
technology integration has become a substantial component to
teacher preparation and continuing education programs for
teachers3. Social media has also provided new ways for teachers to
share ideas for technology integration in classrooms.”
How Teachers are Using Technology in the Classroom
Nearly eight in ten (78 percent) K-12 teachers have allowed
students in their classes to research subjects using the internet.
As expected, high school teachers are the most likely to encourage
internet research (87 percent), but a substantial proportion (76
percent) of elementary school teachers (1st – 5th grade) have also
done so. More than two-thirds (67 percent) of K-12 teachers have
used games and simulations to aid learning. Elementary school
teachers are the most likely to use this resource with 75 percent
doing so.
Technology Resources Available in Today’s Schools
When asked what technology devices are used in today’s K-12
schools, teachers most often cite the following:
- Laptop/Netbook computers (85
percent)
- Interactive white boards (75
percent)
- Tablet computers and/or eReaders (67
percent)
- LCD projectors (58 percent)
- Digital cameras (50 percent)
District or school funding is the main thing that keeps teachers
from using more technology in the classroom (39 percent), followed
by not being familiar or proficient enough with the tools that
exist to properly integrate them into the classroom (27 percent),
and not having time to learn about the tools available (21
percent).
“The first step to empowering our teachers to implement
technology in the classroom is to focus on the importance of
pedagogy and find tools that help support teaching and learning
goals,” said Cook. “Learning more about the latest tools and
techniques being used to enhance and improve student learning can
help teachers become stewards of effective EdTech use. Online
resources can empower today’s educators to self-start their digital
and EdTech education to supplement school or district-sponsored
resources.”
Steps to Help Teachers Leverage EdTech Tools
As technology continues to advance and more ways to use it in
the classroom become available, Cook suggests the following steps
to stay on top of digital trends.
- Build a foundation. Familiarize
yourself with the tools that exist. This will help you build a
foundation to understand what devices students are using. Having a
starting point can help you innovate ways to bring that technology
into your classroom.
- Review technology standards and
integration models. As the role of the teacher continues to
evolve with technological advancements, it is important to
incorporate experiences that are helping students succeed in this
environment. A great way to learn more is to familiarize yourself
with the ISTE Standards for Teachers and Students, the SAMR Model
and the TPACK Model, which help define what today’s teachers need
to know to connect with and enable student success in today’s
digital landscape.
- Connect with your network.
Connect with other teachers within and outside of your district to
see what tools they are incorporating for learning. Be proactive in
your approach to incorporating technology for learning. For
example, when you are working on a specific project, create a plan
and outcome, then think about what channels you can use to execute
your plan more effectively.
- Be innovative with your
resources. For teachers looking to integrate technology into
the classroom, be creative with what you use. Digital cameras,
interactive white boards and video web tools are a few you can use
to get started.
- Continue to learn from the best.
Your students have the pulse on the latest advancements in
technology. To spur critical thinking in your classrooms, task them
with coming up with innovative ways to use tech in and outside of
the classroom.
For general information about University of Phoenix programs,
including on-time completion rates, the median debt incurred by
students who completed the program and other important information,
please visit www.phoenix.edu/programs/gainful-employment.
1 Survey of 1,005 U.S. full-time employed K-12 teachers who have
at least an undergraduate degree conducted online within the United
States by Harris Poll on behalf of University of Phoenix between
April 14 and 25, 2016.
2 Ibid.
3
http://www.ed.gov/oii-news/use-technology-teaching-and-learning
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by
Harris Poll on behalf of University of Phoenix between April 14 and
25, 2016. Respondents included 1,005 U.S. residents employed
full-time as teachers in grades K-12 who have at least an
undergraduate degree. For complete survey methodology, including
weighting variables, please contact Amanda Barchilon at
Amanda.Barchilon@apollo.edu.
About University of Phoenix® College of Education
University of Phoenix College of Education has been educating
teachers and school administrators for more than 30 years. The
College of Education provides bachelor’s and master’s degree
programs for individuals who want to become teachers or current
educators and administrators seeking advanced degrees to strengthen
their professional knowledge. With education programs available
throughout most of the U.S., the College of Education has a
distinct grasp of the national education picture and priorities for
teacher preparation. Faculty members on average bring more than 17
years of professional experience to the classroom. For more
information, visit phoenix.edu/education.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working
adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly
changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses,
and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue
career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives.
As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL),
University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering
associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from
campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online
throughout the world. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.
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University of PhoenixAmanda Barchilon,
602-557-8641Amanda.Barchilon@apollo.edu
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