Journal Review: "I Tolerate Technology - I Don't Embrace It": Instructor Surprise and Sensemaking in a Technology-Rich Learning Environment

Fairchild, J. L., Meiners, E. B., & Violette, J. L. (2016). "I Tolerate Technology--I Don't Embrace It": Instructor Surprise and Sensemaking in a Technology-Rich Learning Environment. Journal Of The Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning, 16(4), 92-108.

PARTICIPANTS

The study looked at 7 teachers in a tech-enriched classroom that had flexible seating, tablets for every student, an interactive whiteboard, and a document camera. 

METHOD

The study wanted to answer two questions;

1. What tensions will be revealed for instructors teaching in a technology-rich classroom?
2. What sensemaking strategies will instructors report in response to these tensions?

In order to answer these questions, the researchers interviewed the instructors weekly for 30-90 minutes. 

RESULTS

The researchers identified 3 tensions. Below I will summarize each tension.

• Freedom V Confinement - Although technology allowed for freedom to try new things, it takes a lot of time to try and implement new things.
• Contentedness V Fragmentation - Technology allows for greater collaboration, but at times it becomes easier to seclude self.
• Change V Stability - Here it was decided by most teachers that the teaching has to change with the introduction of technology. Teachers can't continue doing the same thing after getting technology. "There is more to technology integration than electronics."

The researchers identified 2 sensemaking strategies. Below I will summarize each tension.

• Adaptation - Teachers quickly realized that they had to "roll with the glitches" instead of getting caught up in technology glitches. 
• Reframing - Most teachers realized they had to change the way they taught and their role in the classroom.

REFLECTION

This article seemed to solidify what has been said in class lately. The article did a great job in providing the insight of teachers that were struggling with technology integration and getting at what are their struggles. I have two big take-aways. 

1. Teachers have to learn how to adapt to technology glitches and this can be scary. However, adapting to these challenges in front of students in a calm, positive manner is good modeling for when they come across glitches. Instead of giving up in front of the students or getting angry, teachers need to show good problem-solving skills. The issue for technology coaches and administration is; how do you get teachers comfortable at "rolling with the glitches"?
2. Technology is a change agent. Teachers will only get frustrated with technology if they try to jam technology in their old lesson plans. Successful integration involves making changes to how you teach and what you teach.