I agree with the point you make about teachers being given insufficient training in the use of technology. I think insufficient access to technology probably plays a fair part in the equation, also.

I’m based in the UK and I teach ESL to adults. I worked in the IT industry before becoming a teacher and I’ve always incorporated technology into my lessons. Most of the courses I teach on are designed to deliver ESL in conjunction with ICT and because of this, I normally get booked into rooms where I have access to the resources I need. Not all ESL teachers I know are as lucky. Where resources such as interactive whiteboards and ICT labs are in scarce supply, ESL often seems to be somewhere near the back of the queue. I would imagine that the situation for English language teachers in other parts of the world is fairly similar.

I’ve always written interactive materials to use with my students and communicated with them via blogs, texts, email and such between lessons but I’m sure that this is pretty far from being the norm. Most of the teachers I’ve worked with (Both young and old) lack the confidence to use technology in their lessons. I also think that perhaps some teachers are resistant to using technology because they see it as creating more work for them to do. Lack of technical support when equipment breaks down is another issue – particularly with evening classes.

In response to Asdrubal’s point, I don’t see technology as replacing words and expressions, but rather as providing learners with another string to their bow. Technology provides students with the tools to learn independently and to practice using words and expressions not just within the classroom but also outside it. On that basis alone, I would argue that it is a good thing and an improvement on learning models that have traditionally gone beforehand.

I often wish I could come up with a solution for them. Sometimes I feel the problem is so big, I can’t figure out where to begin….
JoAnn

Thanks for leaving this blog. It’s high time we start talking more about teachers and technology. My first thought is that the divide, or lack of using it in the classroom is generational. Younger teachers may often feel out of place ’showing up’ their older colleagues with their tech skills. Those who have been in the profession for a long time may be set in their ways. I say if a school, or a district make technology a priority, then they will have to do so as a group effort. That is to say, give teachers training, give them paid time off to do so, and involve students. So much is out there for us to use. It just takes time, confidence, and a little bit of experimentation. Honestly, I don’t see how teachers can not use it since
students almost expect it. My goal this coming academic year is to do some podcasts for my classes. Mary

I just got back from a trip to Barranquilla and Cartagena, and was pleased to find that people at least have a basic understanding of what web 2.0 is. When I worked there in 2005, no one had seen a blog and even less had one, but now it’s common knowledge. Looking forward to see what you find in the DR.