Technology Integration Article: Summary & Thoughts

Chen, C. (2008). Why do teachers not practice what they believe regarding technology integration? The Journal of Educational Research, 102(1), 65-75. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from the ERIC database.

This article explores the discrepancies between teachers’ beliefs about technology and what they actually put into practice in their classrooms. Chen found that the teachers in his research group (Taiwanese high school teachers) were vehement about their beliefs regarding technology, but, upon entering their classrooms, he found that the technology was frequently not being implemented in the lessons.

Chen (2008) states that “a crucial factor for successful technology integration into the classroom is the teacher” (p.65). Because of this, Chen began to explore the reasons for the inconsistencies in the teachers’ beliefs and practices. He found three primary reasons: (a) the influence of external factors such as limited access to computers, limited planning time, and little technical support, (b) teachers might be in agreement with and value the technology but then implement it according to personal interpretation, with the interpretation being incorrect, and (c) other conflicting beliefs such as the pressure to cover all content and prepare for high-stakes testing.

I found this article very interesting as I saw myself throughout the entire piece. Some of the same reasons Chen gave for why teachers do not integrate technology according to their beliefs are some of the same reasons I do not implement technology as much as I should. How do we combat this? It seems to me that it would take an entirely new type of thinking on the part of administrators, trainers, and faculty.