2 reasons that could make your technological integration fail

What do you think are these reasons? Despite all the goodwill in the world, integrating ICT into schools requires meeting financial, technical, human and educational challenges. Are you ready (or were you)?

These reasons are inspired by the author's experience as an ICT educational advisor and from the article Why Technology Integration Fails in the Classroom, ofAdam webster . This article appeared on the site Cageless Thinking. Be sure to read it for more detailed explanations.

1. Electronic devices are not meant to be shared.

iPad, other tablet, or even laptop are not devices designed to be used by multiple users. These devices have a personal nature. However, it is perfect to buy a series of these devices to perform an experiment. For example, a school can do a pilot project to test the operation and management of a “1: 1” environment (1 device per student). During this pilot project, the school will be able to test the wireless network, offer training, set up a work structure, etc. If this pilot project is specific to a class, device management becomes much simpler and one can assign one tablet per student. On the other hand, if it is a trolley of devices which circulates between several classes, a protocol for use must be set up. This management can become cumbersome for the teacher and, above all, limit the work of the pupils. A pilot project of one year or more can be interesting to allow a school to familiarize itself with this reality. On the other hand, a project which is limited to traveling carts will end up discouraging the teachers (or else, it will be the same ones who will use them all the time).

2. No educational planning has been done.

The implementation of a plan for the pedagogical integration of technologies in the school is essential. A management plan is extremely important, but the implementation of an educational plan is the oxygen of the project. Implanting technology in a school and not offering educational support is a waste of money. If the goal is to set up a 1: 1 environment, that's a great first step. The second step is to integrate this technology into the normal functioning of the classroom. The first challenge is financial and technical. The second challenge is human and it confronts everyone's beliefs. To make sense of this integration, there are different theoretical models. The SAMR model is a good starting point and it allows, in a simple way, the implementation of a technological and educational development plan.

Finally, the success of a technological integration obviously depends on the financial and technical sides, but it would be a major mistake to put aside the educational and human aspects.

Do you have any other ideas of factors that could make the pedagogical integration of ICT in a school fail? Please feel free to share it using the comments form below.