Motivation and New Technologies

My school was the first school in the county to have 21st Century technology. Most of the staff embraced the equipment however there were a few who refused to use it for anything more than a “movie theater.” This equipment is capable of so much more. Each room was equipped with projector with large screen, Interwrite Pad, and PRS clickers. The few teachers that felt like it was too much trouble to learn to use the equipment to the fullest were very close to retirement. I guess they felt that learning would be a waste of time since they only had two years left of teaching. They would not attend the workshops given to teach us how to use the equipment in the most effective ways. These teachers also would only talk about streaming video off internet and how it was nice to be able to play a video when they needed to “take a break.”
I could attempt to change their attitudes using Keller’s ARCS model in the following way.

Attention – By building on these teachers belief that this new equipment is just a glorified DVD player, provide them with educational videos that have lessons that correlate. This would get their attention because the lessons are provided and they would not have to create them on their own. They would be using the technology more effectively than just popping in a random video or the over used “Magic School Bus” video series.

Relevance- With the new evaluation instrument beginning to be implemented, teachers are expected to use the technology they have access to in an effective manner. No teacher wants to have a poor evaluation. Further more retiring teachers do not want to leave the profession that they have spent a life time in ending on a sour note which makes using the technology relevant to their goal—to be successful in what they do.

Confidence – To build confidence in these older educators in their use of technology, the instructor needs to start small and simple. The first use of technology in the classroom needs to be very specific. One example could be to have the teachers create a template in Power Point to use for morning work. They would be able to make daily changes without having start from scratch. They could also save the daily slides to print for students who have been absent. When they become confident in this technology, have them build on it by having them create a review PPT for an upcoming test. I would chose Power Point because it is simple to use and easy to build upon.

Satisfaction – I believe that when these teachers see the students’ enjoyment and success while using new technologies they will become satisfied with what they have done and will continue using new skills for the remainder of their educational career. I believe that Keller’s quote “A final and important point is that people do not look at rewards in isolation” is a perfect explanation of educational satisfaction. (Driscoll, 2005) No one activity in education will make or break a child’s success. However if effective, useful strategies are used collectively they will provide the practice and content to enable students to become successful. When educators see students succeed, especially struggling ones, they will then have satisfaction in their new skills.

Motivating Teachers for Excellence - http://www.ericdigests.org/pre-921/motivating.htm

The Effects of Student Centered, Technology Based Instruction on the Intrinsic Motivation of Secondary Students - http://pdfcast.org/pdf/the-effects-of-student-centered-technology-based-instruction-on-the-intrinsic-motivation-of-secondary-students

Motivation Matters Blog - http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/motivation/2006/09/burnedout_teachers.html

Student Motivation -
http://www.scottgreenberg.com/student-motivation-teach-to-the-heart-as-well-as-the-brain