Embracing technology to overcome learning challenges

Courses QA4ODFL2
,
41

Integrating ICT into teaching and learning is vital. hence, there are challenges associated when using technologies in learning and teaching.

The challenges which I am likely to face are:

  1. Lack of resources - Not all students have equal access to necessary devices or good internet connectivity.
    To alleviate this, teachers can use blended approach whereby teaching and learning can take place online and offline also. Resources are available offline as well for students without electronic devices or internet connection.

  2. Lack of knowledge about digital literacy - Some teachers and students may find it difficult to cope up with online teaching and learning because of lack of knowledge about digital literacy. To alleviate this, more professional development to be taken for teachers and frequent training to be provided to students.

  3. Poor connectivity - this is a major issue faced in Fiji. The internet connectivity is very weak or poor in majority of the places including remote areas and maritime. Poor connectivity delays the activities which was planned to be carried out. To alleviate this issue, networking companies to establish towers into remote areas for better connectivity.

42

Some challenges faced in using available technologies for teaching and learning and how to alleviate those challenges:

  1. Lack of professional training - conduct PD’s on technology based information and organize computer classes.
  2. Accessibility issues - educators can equip learners with the necessary software and hardware which involves in the selection and implementation process.
  3. Resistance to change - teachers dislike technology so can be difficult to overcome for their students therefore working with teachers to support them in adopting new education technology.
  4. Unreliable devices and software - provide consistent and reliable to remain a viable option in the future.
  5. Misuse of technology - lock the devices and create stronger passwords.
43

Using available technologies for teaching and learning can present various challenges which include:

  1. Limited Access to Technology
    In Fiji technology has become a great challenge mostly in remote areas. To alleviate this, schools and management should collaborate with NGOs, government programs, private organization and sponsors that may help in providing computers, internet and projectors for all the classrooms which will benefit the students.
  2. Digital Illiteracy
    Students and teachers also face difficulty with this advance technologies.To improve on this we need to implement digital literacy programs for both students and teachers. Take training sessions and workshops to help the users to become aware on the usage of technologies.
  3. Poor Connectivity.
    It is a major issue in remote areas. To alleviate this the MoE can work hand in hand with the major internet services providers to make internet available for teachers and students in remote and maritime areas.
44

Challengers faced while using technologies.pdf (382.6 KB)

45

Using available technologies for teaching and learning can be incredibly beneficial, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some common challenges and strategies to alleviate them:

Access and Equity:

Challenge: Not all students may have equal access to technology and the internet, creating a digital divide.

Alleviation: Provide alternative resources for students without reliable access. This could include physical materials, offline assignments, or arranging for technology loans.

Technical Issues:

Challenge: Technical problems like internet connectivity issues, hardware malfunctions, or software glitches can disrupt the learning process.

Alleviation: Encourage students to troubleshoot common problems, provide technical support resources, and have a backup plan for offline activities.

Digital Literacy:

Challenge: Not all students and educators may be equally proficient in using technology for learning and teaching.

Alleviation: Offer training sessions or resources to improve digital literacy. Create user-friendly interfaces and provide clear instructions for using digital tools.

Distraction and Engagement:

Challenge: Students may face distractions while learning online, leading to reduced engagement.

Alleviation: Implement interactive and engaging activities, use multimedia content, incorporate collaborative tools, and provide clear expectations and deadlines.

Overreliance on Technology:

Challenge: There can be a tendency to rely too heavily on technology, potentially neglecting other important aspects of education.

Alleviation: Balance technology with other teaching methods. Encourage offline activities, discussions, and hands-on experiences.

Content Quality and Relevance:

Challenge: Ensuring that digital content is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with learning objectives can be a challenge.

Alleviation: Curate high-quality resources, review and update content regularly, and encourage feedback from students to improve the materials.

Lack of Human Connection:

Challenge: Building relationships and a sense of community in an online environment can be more challenging than in a traditional classroom setting.

Alleviation: Incorporate synchronous sessions for discussions, group activities, and Q&A sessions. Foster open communication channels and encourage peer interaction.

Adaptation to New Tools:

Challenge: Introducing new technologies may require time for both educators and students to learn and adapt.

Alleviation: Offer training and support for using new tools. Start with user-friendly platforms and gradually introduce more complex technologies.

Remember that a flexible and adaptable approach is key. Regularly assess the effectiveness of the technologies you’re using and be willing to make adjustments based on feedback and evolving needs.

46

In my context, some of the challenges are the following:

  • Poor connectivity:

This is one of the major problem or challenge faced in Fiji. The connectivity is very poor in remotes.

  • Privacy and Security Concerns:

Upkeep student data and privacy is crucial.

-Teacher workload

-Limited access to technology

47

The biggest challenges I faced using technologies for teaching and learning is that;
connection is not that good, most of the time there is lack of connectivity, due to weather and also a lot of people are connected to the internet which makes it very slow.
Some students have lack of using technology for learning, and it will bring a hard time for educators to teach when the student themselves do not understand digital literacy.

Strategy to overcome challenge
offer training to students on digital literacy

48

Many challenges in using available technology for teaching and learning have been mentioned here because these challenges are common in Fiji. Teachers must be empowered first to integrate technology into their lessons and students taught about the ethics of using technology from the primary school level.

Question - should schools provide eBooks that have filters locked in or should we require parents to buy phones and laptops that are not protected from dubious sites that contribute nothing to students learning?

49

As a lecturer I come to identify that weakness of technology in my campus are:

  1. Not every students excess to internet.
  2. Some students are yet to confudently able to use it.
  3. Incobsistency of the inetbet at times.
50

Some challenges that I have faced using availability of technologies for teaching and learning and how to alleviate those challenges were:

  1. Limited Access to Technology - limited access of technology in rural area (sharing).

Alleviation: School to seek support with local authorities or donor agencies.

  1. Internet Connectivity - major concern faced in Fiji most of the time.

Alleviation: Internet providers to install network tower near school area which will help solving the problem.

  1. Slow Network

Alleviation: request for school Wi-Fi for quick connection.

51

Some of the challenges i am likely to face in using available technologies for teaching and learning :

  1. Availability of necessary digital devices for all the students. Some parents may not be able to afford to provide their children with smartphones or laptops.

  2. Constant data connectivity. Students may not always have data available in their phones at all times and also some locations have internet connectivity issues.

3.Teachers and students should both have the knowledge about how to use the latest technology in their teaching and learning.

To alleviate these challenges parents can allocate / divide time between their children on when and for how long each child can use / access their lessons on the phones.
proper WIFI connectivity can be made available by purchasing best devices for internet connectivity. request can also be made to network providers to assist and set up towers for better connectivity i their areas.
Teachers should themselves take up courses to upgrade their technology skills and provide support to the students.

52

Incorporating technology may not be same for all teachers. Many teachers do face challenges.
Some challenges could be:
Digital literacy
Not all teachers and students are well versed with how to use technology. This can be improved by having more practice with digital tools and attending more workshops or courses which create awareness on usage and application.

Network issues
Many places around the country do not have access to network and thus connecting to digital tools may be difficult. More collaboration with network providers can solve the issue to some extent.

Resource / financial constraints
Moving with digital technology requires frequent upgrade and adequate funding is needed for this. Not all schools have enough fund allocation to move on with technology as budget is allocated as per the size of school. Working with the available resources and optimising may be the best option

53

Challenges of using technology for teaching and learning in Fiji:

  • Lack of access to technology: Not all students in Fiji have access to computers, tablets, or other devices with internet access. This can make it difficult for them to participate in technology-enabled learning (TEL) activities.
  • Lack of teacher training: Many teachers in Fiji have not been trained on how to use technology effectively for teaching and learning. This can make it difficult for them to implement TEL activities in their classrooms.
  • Limited resources: Schools in Fiji often have limited resources for purchasing and maintaining technology. This can make it difficult to provide students with access to the latest technologies.
  • Cultural barriers: Some Fijian families may have cultural barriers to the use of technology. For example, they may believe that technology is a distraction or that it is not appropriate for use in the classroom.

How to alleviate the challenges:

  • Increase access to technology: The Fijian government and other stakeholders can work together to increase access to technology for all students. This could be done by providing subsidies for devices or by setting up community technology centers.
  • Provide teacher training: The Fijian government and other stakeholders can provide teachers with training on how to use technology effectively for teaching and learning. This training could be delivered through workshops, online courses, or other methods.
  • Increase funding for technology: The Fijian government and other stakeholders can increase funding for technology in schools. This would allow schools to purchase and maintain the latest technologies and to provide students with access to the resources they need to succeed.
  • Address cultural barriers: Schools and teachers can work with families to address cultural barriers to the use of technology. This could be done by educating families about the benefits of technology for teaching and learning or by developing culturally appropriate TEL activities.

In addition to the above, the following strategies can also be used to alleviate the challenges of using technology for teaching and learning in Fiji:

  • Use open source and free software: There are many open source and free software programs that can be used for teaching and learning. This can help to reduce the cost of technology for schools.
  • Use technology to support traditional teaching methods: Technology can be used to support traditional teaching methods, such as lectures and discussions. This can help to make teaching and learning more effective and engaging for students.
  • Involve students in the design and implementation of TEL activities: Students can be involved in the design and implementation of TEL activities. This can help to ensure that the activities are relevant and engaging for students.

By taking these steps, we can alleviate the challenges of using technology for teaching and learning in Fiji and ensure that all students have the opportunity to benefit from TEL.

54

I do need help here with the last assignment. I cant get through. It olny shows the timeline and i cant find the assignment activities. Can you help me out pls.

55

Learning activity 6
The technologies used for teaching and learning enables the teacher to effectively explain students by using videos and visuals for discussion. When using technologies teachers also encounter challenges for example while using laptop for the lesson the laptop should be charged or have connection to electricity. The problem can be alleviated by having electrical connections from which the laptop can be charged. It is also expensive to use technologies like smartboard where students can use different resources. The problems that can be encountered are it is fixed at one place and needs technical maintenance. The problems can be alleviated by using resources when connected with the internet can be downloaded and taking care of the smartboard. The teachers can be provided with professional development session so that they can use the resources effectively during the lesson. When the lesson is conducted students can also be guided on how to use the technology effectively for example when using the smartboard.

56

Although we would say the access to learning is much easier now with the use of technology, there are challenges that are often inevitable such as:
a. geographical location -for example in the remote areas where the internet connectivity is not accessible.
b. lack of resources such as computers or laptops
c. Unreliable power source or no electricity
I would suggest that the above challenges should be addressed by the government of the country to ensure that infrastructure, resources and access to technology are developed and made accessible so students have equal opportunities to learning from wherever they are located.

57

There are alot of challenges faced by teachers in Fiji a when it comes to using technology into education, some issues are

  1. Limited Access to Technology:

Access to technology can indeed be a most intensive challenge in Fiji, since most schools are located in remote areas. To overcome this, government to interact with with local businesses or NGOs. They might be willing to sponsor the provision of devices or support the setup of network towers. We can bridge the access gap and make technology more readily available to our students.

  1. Digital Literacy:

Building digital literacy skills is crucial for both teachers and students. We should be proactive in seeking out training opportunities to enhance our digital skills. This might involve participating in workshops or online courses. Moreover , we can encourage our students to take advantage of the many online resources available for improving their digital literacy. We must be supportive guides in their digital learning journey.

3.Connectivity and Infrastructure :

The challenges faced by Fiji’s geographical layout are undeniable, but it’s essential to advocate for improved infrastructure and connectivity. By raising awareness and working with local and national authorities, we can push for investment in better internet access, even in the most remote areas.

3.Teacher Workload:

Introducing technology into our teaching practices will increase our workload. To overcome this, 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.

By addressing these challenges , we can make technology an important powering tool in our education system.

58

  1. Pedagogy adaptation- teachers may struggle to adapt their teaching methods to leverage technology effectively.
    Costs- implementing and maintaining technology in education can be expensive, and not all educational institutions have the necessary resources.
    Access Disparity- not all students have equal access to technology, which can create a digital divide, disadvantaging some learners.

Cost management, student engagement and balanced used of Technology could be the best way to lessen the challenges that we faced in school during teaching and learning.

  1. I wanted to share the challenges of using Technology, with my own experience, I saw that technology is better than using any other resources for research.
59
  1. Challenges and solution. Incompetent network provider. Maritime schools are challenged with this and being ignored despite numerous complaints is a challenge. Our students and teachers lose out. Solution would be to improve other mobile phone network providers or look for a better one.
  2. Expensive services. Paying so much and services are poor. Turn to mobile network providers whose charges are cheaper.
  3. Investing in more computers, especially laptops - this is for places with disrupted electricity supplies
  4. Disrupted electricity supply - investing in solar can resolve this issues
60

57 / 59

sera

4d

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.

sonikachand

4d

Integrating ICT into teaching and learning is vital. hence, there are challenges associated when using technologies in learning and teaching.

The challenges which I am likely to face are:

Lack of resources - Not all students have equal access to necessary devices or good internet connectivity.
To alleviate this, teachers can use blended approach whereby teaching and learning can take place online and offline also. Resources are available offline as well for students without electronic devices or internet connection.

Lack of knowledge about digital literacy - Some teachers and students may find it difficult to cope up with online teaching and learning because of lack of knowledge about digital literacy. To alleviate this, more professional development to be taken for teachers and frequent training to be provided to students.

Poor connectivity - this is a major issue faced in Fiji. The internet connectivity is very weak or poor in majority of the places including remote areas and maritime. Poor connectivity delays the activities which was planned to be carried out. To alleviate this issue, networking companies to establish towers into remote areas for better connectivity.

sanjeshnimala22

3d

Some challenges faced in using available technologies for teaching and learning and how to alleviate those challenges:

Lack of professional training - conduct PD’s on technology based information and organize computer classes.Accessibility issues - educators can equip learners with the necessary software and hardware which involves in the selection and implementation process.Resistance to change - teachers dislike technology so can be difficult to overcome for their students therefore working with teachers to support them in adopting new education technology.Unreliable devices and software - provide consistent and reliable to remain a viable option in the future.Misuse of technology - lock the devices and create stronger passwords.

ash1994

3d

Using available technologies for teaching and learning can present various challenges which include:

Limited Access to Technology
In Fiji technology has become a great challenge mostly in remote areas. To alleviate this, schools and management should collaborate with NGOs, government programs, private organization and sponsors that may help in providing computers, internet and projectors for all the classrooms which will benefit the students.Digital Illiteracy
Students and teachers also face difficulty with this advance technologies.To improve on this we need to implement digital literacy programs for both students and teachers. Take training sessions and workshops to help the users to become aware on the usage of technologies.Poor Connectivity.
It is a major issue in remote areas. To alleviate this the MoE can work hand in hand with the major internet services providers to make internet available for teachers and students in remote and maritime areas.

Izyan_98

3d

Challengers faced while using technologies.pdf (382.6 KB)

sofinaazim

3d

DeepakPrasad:

List some of the challenges you are likely to face in using available technologies for teaching and learning. How would you alleviate those challenges?Share one or two challenges in the chat forum with your peers

Using available technologies for teaching and learning can be incredibly beneficial, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some common challenges and strategies to alleviate them:

Access and Equity:

Challenge: Not all students may have equal access to technology and the internet, creating a digital divide.

Alleviation: Provide alternative resources for students without reliable access. This could include physical materials, offline assignments, or arranging for technology loans.

Technical Issues:

Challenge: Technical problems like internet connectivity issues, hardware malfunctions, or software glitches can disrupt the learning process.

Alleviation: Encourage students to troubleshoot common problems, provide technical support resources, and have a backup plan for offline activities.

Digital Literacy:

Challenge: Not all students and educators may be equally proficient in using technology for learning and teaching.

Alleviation: Offer training sessions or resources to improve digital literacy. Create user-friendly interfaces and provide clear instructions for using digital tools.

Distraction and Engagement:

Challenge: Students may face distractions while learning online, leading to reduced engagement.

Alleviation: Implement interactive and engaging activities, use multimedia content, incorporate collaborative tools, and provide clear expectations and deadlines.

Overreliance on Technology:

Challenge: There can be a tendency to rely too heavily on technology, potentially neglecting other important aspects of education.

Alleviation: Balance technology with other teaching methods. Encourage offline activities, discussions, and hands-on experiences.

Content Quality and Relevance:

Challenge: Ensuring that digital content is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with learning objectives can be a challenge.

Alleviation: Curate high-quality resources, review and update content regularly, and encourage feedback from students to improve the materials.

Lack of Human Connection:

Challenge: Building relationships and a sense of community in an online environment can be more challenging than in a traditional classroom setting.

Alleviation: Incorporate synchronous sessions for discussions, group activities, and Q&A sessions. Foster open communication channels and encourage peer interaction.

Adaptation to New Tools:

Challenge: Introducing new technologies may require time for both educators and students to learn and adapt.

Alleviation: Offer training and support for using new tools. Start with user-friendly platforms and gradually introduce more complex technologies.

Remember that a flexible and adaptable approach is key. Regularly assess the effectiveness of the technologies you’re using and be willing to make adjustments based on feedback and evolving needs.

sanjita

3d

In my context, some of the challenges are the following:

Poor connectivity:

This is one of the major problem or challenge faced in Fiji. The connectivity is very poor in remotes.

Privacy and Security Concerns:

Upkeep student data and privacy is crucial.

-Teacher workload

-Limited access to technology

Asenaca.V

3d

The biggest challenges I faced using technologies for teaching and learning is that;
connection is not that good, most of the time there is lack of connectivity, due to weather and also a lot of people are connected to the internet which makes it very slow.
Some students have lack of using technology for learning, and it will bring a hard time for educators to teach when the student themselves do not understand digital literacy.

Strategy to overcome challenge
offer training to students on digital literacy

krishneelmala

2d

Incorporating technology may not be same for all teachers. Many teachers do face challenges.
Some challenges could be:
Digital literacy
Not all teachers and students are well versed with how to use technology. This can be improved by having more practice with digital tools and attending more workshops or courses which create awareness on usage and application.

Network issues
Many places around the country do not have access to network and thus connecting to digital tools may be difficult. More collaboration with network providers can solve the issue to some extent.

Resource / financial constraints
Moving with digital technology requires frequent upgrade and adequate funding is needed for this. Not all schools have enough fund allocation to move on with technology as budget is allocated as per the size of school. Working with the available resources and optimising may be the best option

aceaaronv

2d

Challenges of using technology for teaching and learning in Fiji:

Lack of access to technology: Not all students in Fiji have access to computers, tablets, or other devices with internet access. This can make it difficult for them to participate in technology-enabled learning (TEL) activities.Lack of teacher training: Many teachers in Fiji have not been trained on how to use technology effectively for teaching and learning. This can make it difficult for them to implement TEL activities in their classrooms.Limited resources: Schools in Fiji often have limited resources for purchasing and maintaining technology. This can make it difficult to provide students with access to the latest technologies.Cultural barriers: Some Fijian families may have cultural barriers to the use of technology. For example, they may believe that technology is a distraction or that it is not appropriate for use in the classroom.

How to alleviate the challenges:

Increase access to technology: The Fijian government and other stakeholders can work together to increase access to technology for all students. This could be done by providing subsidies for devices or by setting up community technology centers.Provide teacher training: The Fijian government and other stakeholders can provide teachers with training on how to use technology effectively for teaching and learning. This training could be delivered through workshops, online courses, or other methods.Increase funding for technology: The Fijian government and other stakeholders can increase funding for technology in schools. This would allow schools to purchase and maintain the latest technologies and to provide students with access to the resources they need to succeed.Address cultural barriers: Schools and teachers can work with families to address cultural barriers to the use of technology. This could be done by educating families about the benefits of technology for teaching and learning or by developing culturally appropriate TEL activities.

In addition to the above, the following strategies can also be used to alleviate the challenges of using technology for teaching and learning in Fiji:

Use open source and free software: There are many open source and free software programs that can be used for teaching and learning. This can help to reduce the cost of technology for schools.Use technology to support traditional teaching methods: Technology can be used to support traditional teaching methods, such as lectures and discussions. This can help to make teaching and learning more effective and engaging for students.Involve students in the design and implementation of TEL activities: Students can be involved in the design and implementation of TEL activities. This can help to ensure that the activities are relevant and engaging for students.

By taking these steps, we can alleviate the challenges of using technology for teaching and learning in Fiji and ensure that all students have the opportunity to benefit from TEL.

Williesamuel

2d

I do need help here with the last assignment. I cant get through. It olny shows the timeline and i cant find the assignment activities. Can you help me out pls.

mohammedkhalik

1d

Learning activity 6
The technologies used for teaching and learning enables the teacher to effectively explain students by using videos and visuals for discussion. When using technologies teachers also encounter challenges for example while using laptop for the lesson the laptop should be charged or have connection to electricity. The problem can be alleviated by having electrical connections from which the laptop can be charged. It is also expensive to use technologies like smartboard where students can use different resources. The problems that can be encountered are it is fixed at one place and needs technical maintenance. The problems can be alleviated by using resources when connected with the internet can be downloaded and taking care of the smartboard. The teachers can be provided with professional development session so that they can use the resources effectively during the lesson. When the lesson is conducted students can also be guided on how to use the technology effectively for example when using the smartboard.

carolaru

1d

Although we would say the access to learning is much easier now with the use of technology, there are challenges that are often inevitable such as:
a. geographical location -for example in the remote areas where the internet connectivity is not accessible.
b. lack of resources such as computers or laptops
c. Unreliable power source or no electricity
I would suggest that the above challenges should be addressed by the government of the country to ensure that infrastructure, resources and access to technology are developed and made accessible so students have equal opportunities to learning from wherever they are located.

Vineet

1d

There are alot of challenges faced by teachers in Fiji a when it comes to using technology into education, some issues are

Limited Access to Technology:

Access to technology can indeed be a most intensive challenge in Fiji, since most schools are located in remote areas. To overcome this, government to interact with with local businesses or NGOs. They might be willing to sponsor the provision of devices or support the setup of network towers. We can bridge the access gap and make technology more readily available to our students.

Digital Literacy:

Building digital literacy skills is crucial for both teachers and students. We should be proactive in seeking out training opportunities to enhance our digital skills. This might involve participating in workshops or online courses. Moreover , we can encourage our students to take advantage of the many online resources available for improving their digital literacy. We must be supportive guides in their digital learning journey.

3.Connectivity and Infrastructure :

The challenges faced by Fiji’s geographical layout are undeniable, but it’s essential to advocate for improved infrastructure and connectivity. By raising awareness and working with local and national authorities, we can push for investment in better internet access, even in the most remote areas.

3.Teacher Workload:

Introducing technology into our teaching practices will increase our workload. To overcome this, 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.

By addressing these challenges , we can make technology an important powering tool in our education system.