You Can Lead a Horse to Water . . .
April 12, 2010
I lead many workshops on web 2.0 implementation for educators and non-profits. Each time I get between 6 to 25 individuals who have never even heard of Wikis, Google Docs or the myriad of free collaborative materials online. This always amazes me. If you are willing to enroll in a workshop, drive there and spend three hours among strangers on a your day off why wouldn't you try it out in the comfort of your own home? Is it only of interest if it's a paid PD session? Let's face it most cloud apps are not terribly difficult to figure out. There are no downloads or software configuration or conflicts to deal with - just register, click and try it out. However there seems to be a basic lack of enthusiasm within the education sector. The educators I encounter usually fall into three categories.
Non Compliers This is stupid, you're stupid and I can't believe they're making me do this.
This group will spend the entire workshop with their arms crossed. Shake their head from side to side sighing frequently. If asked they will tell you technology has no relevance to their classrooms and they won't use it. There is a lot of fear, anger and resentment in this group which is usually comprised of older, senior and established faculty. Technology is seen an a threat to their job security not as a productive teaching tool. This group is uncomfortable using computers unless they are teaching Access or Excel. There is little compromise and an unwillingness to even try.
Hesitaters What did she say? I don't understand. Click where?
This group suffers from a lack of computer confidence. Perhaps you've had students like this, they need constant attention and positive feedback (which isn't always available in a workshop setting). These are the most difficult attendees. They are hesitant and distrustful and if you're not careful they can quickly turn into Non Compliers.
Adopters This is amazing! I can't believe no one told me about this! I can't wait to go home and try it!!
I can spot these guys right away. You can hear audible oooos and aahhhs from them as Google forms are created and shared or a is Wiki set up in less than 30 seconds. Questions come quick and fast are are usually start with "Can you . ." or "How do you ..." and I know they will go home and spend the rest of their Saturday creating interesting workspaces and collaborative documents.
The majority of today's teachers fall into the first two categories. There is little enthusiasm in the concept of online collaborative learning spaces, despite their obvious benefits. Even when shown fabulous examples, and given simple step by step instruction teachers still refuse to implement free relevant technologies in their classroom, so I have decided to take a different approach. Instead of focusing on the classroom implementation, I now focus on classroom management and housekeeping. I show them a static Wiki with a simple syllabus and loads of relative grammar links (Non Compliers are usually grammar junkies). Then I show them my Googe Docs which has every lesson plan and handout I've created over the past three years - available from anywhere anytime. The arms uncross and they lean in a bit more. I show them the spreadsheet generated by a Google form which allows me to correct the work of 15 students on one sheet. Hands start to go up and questions start rolling in ...
If we want help our fellow educators join the online world, perhaps we should take the focus off creating fabulous collaborative learning spaces (which can be a lot of pressure for anyone, especially older non-tech oreinted teachers) and focus on basic housekeeping and administrative tasks. Once teachers are familiar with technology, perhaps they will use it in more interesting ways. If you have had success in getting reticent teachers to incorporate technology in the classroom - please post your comments below!
To leave a comment click the entry title and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Non Compliers This is stupid, you're stupid and I can't believe they're making me do this.
This group will spend the entire workshop with their arms crossed. Shake their head from side to side sighing frequently. If asked they will tell you technology has no relevance to their classrooms and they won't use it. There is a lot of fear, anger and resentment in this group which is usually comprised of older, senior and established faculty. Technology is seen an a threat to their job security not as a productive teaching tool. This group is uncomfortable using computers unless they are teaching Access or Excel. There is little compromise and an unwillingness to even try.
Hesitaters What did she say? I don't understand. Click where?
This group suffers from a lack of computer confidence. Perhaps you've had students like this, they need constant attention and positive feedback (which isn't always available in a workshop setting). These are the most difficult attendees. They are hesitant and distrustful and if you're not careful they can quickly turn into Non Compliers.
Adopters This is amazing! I can't believe no one told me about this! I can't wait to go home and try it!!
I can spot these guys right away. You can hear audible oooos and aahhhs from them as Google forms are created and shared or a is Wiki set up in less than 30 seconds. Questions come quick and fast are are usually start with "Can you . ." or "How do you ..." and I know they will go home and spend the rest of their Saturday creating interesting workspaces and collaborative documents.
The majority of today's teachers fall into the first two categories. There is little enthusiasm in the concept of online collaborative learning spaces, despite their obvious benefits. Even when shown fabulous examples, and given simple step by step instruction teachers still refuse to implement free relevant technologies in their classroom, so I have decided to take a different approach. Instead of focusing on the classroom implementation, I now focus on classroom management and housekeeping. I show them a static Wiki with a simple syllabus and loads of relative grammar links (Non Compliers are usually grammar junkies). Then I show them my Googe Docs which has every lesson plan and handout I've created over the past three years - available from anywhere anytime. The arms uncross and they lean in a bit more. I show them the spreadsheet generated by a Google form which allows me to correct the work of 15 students on one sheet. Hands start to go up and questions start rolling in ...
If we want help our fellow educators join the online world, perhaps we should take the focus off creating fabulous collaborative learning spaces (which can be a lot of pressure for anyone, especially older non-tech oreinted teachers) and focus on basic housekeeping and administrative tasks. Once teachers are familiar with technology, perhaps they will use it in more interesting ways. If you have had success in getting reticent teachers to incorporate technology in the classroom - please post your comments below!
To leave a comment click the entry title and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Posted by Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is an Adult Educator working in classroom, blended and online contexts. Teaching all levels of ESL she currently specializes in English for the Workplace, eLearning, and curriculum/content develoment.
