Embracing technology to overcome learning challenges

Courses QA4ODFL2
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Challenges in using technology are, among others:

  1. Lack of tech skills by both learners and trainers, to use and apply appropriate principles.
  2. Cost of appropriate and necessary technology is too costly
  3. Accessibility, affordability, and availability limited or not possible
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Challenges faced in using available technologies for teaching and learning and how to alleviate those challenges?

  • Limited access to internet - Teachers have no control over this one. The country should increase internet coverage.
  • Gender gap in accessing digital tools - Government to zero rate digital gadgets for learning or provide them free to every student.
  • Technology phobia by teachers and learners - Solution to this challenge is continuous implementation of TEL and training of teachers and learners on use of different technology for learning.
  • Electricity power for charging digital devices - Solution is advocacy for government to provide alternative sources of power like renewable energy.
  • Limited knowledge of Open Education Resources - Solution is training.
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I need assistance. The last assignment is asking for enrolment key. I don’t know the key. Kindly assist.

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The last assignment requires an enrolment key which I don’t remember. Assist kindly.

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These are the challenges that are likely to be faced by the students or teachers in using technologies for teaching and learning.

  1. Limited Access To Technology
    Not all all students have access to technology in remote areas.
    Alleviation: I suggest that MoE should form partnership with businesses or donor agencies that may
    sponsor fund to setup computer labs which will be beneficial to students in remote areas.

  2. Poor Connectivity
    This is one of the major concern faced in Fiji especially in remotes areas.
    Alleviation: The MoE should team up with the major internet service providers to make the internet
    available to students and teachers in remote and maritime areas.

  3. Privacy and Security
    Concerns about data privacy and security may arise when using technologies for teaching and
    learning.
    Alleviation: Educate students about online safety, regulations and security. Only choose trusted and
    secure platforms for teaching and learning.

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@sammy

You will find the enrollment key published on the course site here: https://pacificopencourses.col.org/qa4odfl2/learning-challenges/establish-a-ple/qa4odfl2-moodle-site/

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Incorporating technology into teaching and learning can be transformative and beneficial, but it also presents certain challenges for teachers. Here are the challenges that are likely to face;

  1. Limited access to technology
  • technology in Papua new Guinea is a great challenge especially with excessive population of students in schools. It will cost alot for a school to provide technology for its students including the unfortunates school in remote areas. Therefore i suggest, that the government or the schools menagement can seek sponsors or NGO group for support and funding of technology that can cater for all schools and every students.
  1. Digital literacy
  • in Papua new Guinea all educators have problem with technology. They still don’t have that full knowledge on how to operate technology. Only few are good at it but not all of them. For this reason i suggest that a regular digital literacy training must be done to help every educators understand fully the content of digital technology. So that they can impart the knowledge to the students for better digital learning.
  1. Safety and security concerns
  • schools that have access to technology especially computers and tablets are on threat to thieves who are likely to steal from them. To minimize this issue i suggest that more security guards must be provided for 24 hours to protect and also community leaders and school boards must make strong awarness and laws to avoid any demages to the technology.

I believe nothing will disrupt the digital learning for students if we take the above matter into consideration.

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Challenges faced by Fiji schools in using technologies for teaching and learning are:

Limited access to technology: In many interior villages in Fiji schools, not all students have access to the same devices and software, which can create a digital divide.

Teacher training: Teachers need to be trained on how to use technology effectively in the classroom. More Professional Development and workshops are needed.

Technical support: Schools in Fiji need to have adequate technical support to help teachers and students with any problems they may have with technology.

Curriculum integration: It can be challenging to integrate technology into the curriculum in a meaningful way.

Student engagement: It can be difficult to keep students engaged in learning when they have access to a variety of distractions on their devices.

Equity and inclusion: It is important to ensure that all students have access to technology and are able to use it effectively, regardless of their background or abilities.
Here are some ways to alleviate these challenges:

Provide students with access to technology: Schools can provide students with access to technology by purchasing devices and software, or by partnering with businesses or organizations that can donate or lend devices.
Offer teacher training: Schools can offer teacher training on how to use technology effectively in the classroom. This training can be provided in-house, or through online or blended learning programs.

Provide technical support: Schools can provide technical support to teachers and students by hiring IT staff.

Integrate technology into the curriculum: Curriculum developers can work with teachers to integrate technology into the curriculum in a meaningful way.

This can be done by creating new lessons and activities that use technology, or by adapting existing lessons and activities to include technology.

Use technology to promote engagement: Teachers can use technology to promote engagement by using interactive tools and activities, and by allowing students to choose their own learning paths.

Ensure equity and inclusion: Schools can ensure equity and inclusion by providing all students with access to technology, and by training teachers on how to use technology to support all learners.

I am also committed to continuous learning, so that I can improve my abilities and better meet the needs of students.

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Using available technologies for teaching and learning can be highly beneficial, but it also comes with a unique set of challenges. Here are some of the challenges you’re likely to face and potential ways to alleviate them:

  1. Limited Internet Access:

    • Alleviation: Invest in infrastructure development to expand internet access in rural areas, promote community Wi-Fi centers, and utilize offline solutions where possible, such as pre-downloaded content.

  2. Lack of Proper Devices:

    • Alleviation: Provide affordable or subsidized devices, like low-cost tablets or laptops, and encourage the use of feature phones for basic educational content access. Collaborate with NGOs, government programs, or private organizations to distribute devices.

  3. Power Supply Issues:

    • Alleviation: Promote the use of energy-efficient devices, provide solar-powered charging stations, and use battery backups. Training on power management can also help users make the most of limited power resources.

  4. Digital Illiteracy:

    • Alleviation: Implement digital literacy programs for both students and teachers. Offer training sessions, workshops, and online resources to help users become proficient with technology.

  5. Maintaining Devices:

    • Alleviation: Establish maintenance and repair centers within rural areas. Encourage community involvement and provide guidance on device care.

  6. Isolation and Lack of Peer Interaction:

    • Alleviation: Encourage virtual collaboration, peer-to-peer interaction through online forums, and regular video conferencing sessions to maintain a sense of community and shared learning experiences.

  7. Inadequate Technical Support:

    • Alleviation: Provide a helpline or support center for technical assistance, and collaborate with local experts who can assist with troubleshooting and maintenance.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including government support, collaboration with non-profit organizations, and a strong commitment to improving access to quality education. .

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Some of the challenges that educators may face in using available technologies for teaching and learning include:

  1. Technical difficulties: Technical issues such as internet connectivity problems, software glitches, or device malfunctions can disrupt the smooth implementation of technology in the classroom. To alleviate these challenges, educators can ensure they have access to reliable technology infrastructure and troubleshoot technical issues promptly. Regular maintenance and updates of hardware and software can also help minimize technical difficulties.
  2. Lack of training and expertise: Many educators may not have sufficient knowledge or training to effectively integrate technology into their teaching practice. Providing professional development opportunities and training sessions can help educators build their skills and confidence in using technology for teaching and learning. Collaborating with colleagues or seeking guidance from technology specialists can also provide support in adopting and implementing new technologies.
  3. Limited access to technology: Not all students may have access to the necessary technology outside of the classroom, which can create a digital divide and hinder their learning. Schools can address this challenge by providing access to technology and internet resources for all students, both in and outside of the classroom, to ensure equal opportunities for learning. Additionally, educators can provide alternative offline resources or allow students to work in groups to share available technology resources.
    It is important to note that the specific challenges faced may vary depending on the context and available resources. As an educator, it is essential to continually evaluate and assess the challenges and adapt strategies accordingly to ensure effective use of available technologies for teaching and learning.
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Some challenges we face are:
Technology Availability, some school are fortunate enough to have latest and upgraded technology for everyday teaching,some.school have more than others.Technology is one of the the main lack in classroom as we are dealing with 21st century learners, gone are the chalk and board days of teaching students are more inteested in learning through technology.
Connectivity; this is one of the mahor impact in teachers preparation as we tend to turn to internet to cater for the different learning ability of students but yet Connectivity will not alwayals be up to its fullest strength foe some its their location but some its just network mechanical isiues .

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The available technologies for teaching and learning is very challenging.
Limited access to technology - particularly in remote areas where network connectivity is not available for both teachers and students and they are deprive of from using technologies.
The above issue hinders the effective use of technology in learning.
Moreover, infrastructure accessibility issue is essential to overcome this challenge successfully.

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Challenges faced in using available technology for teaching and learning and how to alleviate those challenges:

  1. Uncharged devices - Charge the device well when not using. Use power board and keep devices plugged in.
  2. Cybersecurity threats - Download anti-virus protection.
  3. Technical issues and lack of time - Be prepared before lesson to avoid technical issues. Solutions can be sort if technical issues are encountered well before lessons. This will also save time.
  4. Network issue - Be creative and resourceful so that learning and teaching continues even if there is no network on any particular day.
  5. Slow connection - Request for school Wi-Fi for quick connection.

I recently faced a challenge where my laptop stopped working. There are so many ways I use my laptop in teaching my class almost every day. I cannot let this disrupt my teaching, so I asked my school Head Teacher for a school laptop. I was allowed to take the school laptop thus I overcame this challenge.

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  1. **List some of the challenges you are likely to face in using available technologies for teaching and learning. How would you alleviate those challenges? **

  2. Internet Connectivity
    Some of the teachers in some schools are not able to use technology to teach children in their class because of poor internet connectivity.

  3. Time
    Teachers need certain time to complete the lesson. If teachers use technology to teach in the class, they will not be able to complete their syllabus.

  4. Lack of resources
    Some of the schools are not having smart television in all the classrooms to teach children.
    Children are not supposed to bring, laptops or notebooks to schools.

By recording the videos and then playing will help to solve the connectivity problem.
Designing lesson in such a way that teachers can use a short video to teach the concept.
Teachers can use their personal resources for teaching and learning. Advise children to use the resources at home for research work.

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In this 21st century most students are addicted to technologies. Most students and teachers go after technology for research and more knowledge. But still students and teachers are facing challenges in using available technologies for teaching and learning.
Here are some of the challenges and how we can alleviate the challenges.

  • Not everyone has technology at home
    Not all students or teachers use a computer at home, are frequent users, have sufficient data or [internet access]. There is a digital divide of [reduced] computer literacy in students from Indigenous, lower socioeconomic or regional/rural backgrounds.
    This creates challenges for teachers if they have to set different tasks for different students, or if they are setting homework with a digital component.
    Alleviate - Provide internet access to all student’s homes. Also allows parents involves for support in provide their child a device where they can connect to internet for learning and install Wi-Fi to their homes.

  • Lack of adequate ICT support, infrastructure
    Appropriate [access] to technical support (classroom, informally), availability of infrastructure (computer labs, software), policies (whether to administer digital homework) and time allocated to incorporate new technologies are major challenges for teachers.
    Alleviate - Allows ICT committee more support on them.

  • It easy for student to be destructed at home and at school
    Students [regularly use] devices for social media, playing games, instant messaging, text messaging and emailing rather than for class work. Students have been [described] as “digital rebels” (accessing social media and texting), “cyber wanderers” (succumbing to virtual games) and “eLearning pioneers” (undertaking online studies during class time).
    Also, at school lessons are interrupted by regular [negotiations] that reduce lesson time. This is related to students not putting screens down (during instructions), concealing screens from teachers’ view, pretending devices don’t work and devices being insufficiently charged. Digital technology training and preparing lessons to include new technologies can also be [time consuming]
    Alleviate
    More supervison on parents and teachers during student using the technology for learning.

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Access – many students do not have regular and reliable access to computer (sharing)
Solution - Schools or teachers may seek support through partnerships with local business or other donor agencies.

Training - lack of technology implementation in the classroom is inadequate professional development and training.
Solution - school administrators should seek assistance to identify and provide ongoing training.

Support - While it is encouraging to see that the majority of responding districts feel that they have access to adequate support, there is clearly room for improvement. With additional technology support, teachers can worry less about technological barriers and instead focus on teaching their students.
Solution - hiring educational technology and information technology professionals to assist the teachers to develop and apply new uses for the technology in their classrooms.

Teacher attitudes and belief’s - Teachers’ attitudes and beliefs are crucial factors in determining the role and effectiveness of technology in classrooms.
Solution - Teachers who believe they lack training can either decide to work with technology at their current level of expertise, or postpone the use of technology until they consider that they have sufficient competence. To build teachers’ knowledge to a sufficient level, boosting confidence in the process, training and support from the educational administrators is necessary.

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1. Teacher Workload:

Introducing technology into our teaching can be overwhelming and potentially increase our workload. To alleviate this, I propose that schools invest in dedicated professional development time for teachers. This would allow us to learn and adapt to new tools and methods, ultimately making the integration of technology into our teaching more seamless. Additionally, we can foster a collaborative environment where teachers share their experiences and resources, lightening the individual workload.

I genuinely believe that by addressing these challenges collaboratively, we can make technology an empowering tool in our educational journey. Let’s continue to share our experiences and support one another in embracing technology for the betterment of education in Fiji.

2. Limited Access to Technology:
Technology in Fiji is a great challenge especially in remote and underprivileged areas. To overcome this problem, I suggest schools and management to look for sponsors that may provide computers, Wi-Fi, projectors to all the classrooms so that all students can benefit.

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challenges
-Pedagogical Integration ,it can be challenging to align technology with effective pedegogical practices and ensure it enhances rather than hinders,the learning experience.

  • Content quality, ensuring the quality and relevance of online educational content can be a challenge,as the internet is filled with both reliable and unreliable information.

  • cost ,implementing and maintaining educational technology is expensive and not all educational institution have the budget to invest the latest tools.

-Digital literacy,both students and educators may lack the necessary necessary literacy skills to effective use and navigate educational technology.

  1. changing the educational model and it takes a lot of time to familiarise with the system of using technology. outage of internet network is also a challenges in solomon islands.
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Technology refines teaching and learning process,however there are certain challenges associated with common technologies used for teaching and learning which may include:
*Desktops as it is commonly stationed at a corner which needs a reliable power supply and one way in which we can alleviate such challenge is to provide solar power supply which is highly reliable.
*Laptops which is more portable and easy to use has its own issues in regards to battery issues which operates for a limited time and also expensive and one way in which we can alleviate this challenge is to invest in reliable solar power system and look for donors to donate.

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Network Connectivity is a challenge that i faced through integrating technology into my teaching and learning. Due to our geographical location, accessing network is a problem. This hinders teaching and learning. To alleviate this problem, installing network tower near schools will help solving the problem.