Abstract
Although teachers today recognize the importance of integrating technology into their curricula, efforts are often limited by both external (first-order) and internal (second-order) barriers. Traditionally, technology training, for both preservice and inservice teachers, has focused on helping teachers overcome first-order barriers (e.g., acquiring technical skills needed to operate a computer). More recently, training programs have incorporated pedagogical models of technology use as one means of addressing second-order barriers. However, little discussion has occurred that clarifies the relationship between these different types of barriers or that delineates effective strategies for addressing different barriers. If pre- and inservice teachers are to become effective users of technology, they will need practical strategies for dealing with the different types of barriers they will face. In this paper, I discuss the relationship between first- and second-order barriers and then describe specific strategies for circumventing, overcoming, and eliminating the changing barriers teachers face as they work to achieve technology integration.
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.References
Baker, E.L., Herman, J.L., & Gearhart, M. (1996). Does technology work in schools? Why evaluation cannot tell the full story. In C. Fisher, D.C. Dwyer, & K. Yocam (Eds.),Education and technology: Reflections on computing in classrooms (pp. 185–202). San Francisco: Jossey Bass.
Barone, C. (1996). Full speed aheadwith caution.Educom Review, 31(3). Retrieved December 8, 1998 from the World Wide Web: http://www.educause.edu/pub/er/review/reviewarticles/31324.html
Becker, H.J. (1993). How exemplary computer-using teachers differ from other teachers: Implications for realizing the potential of computers in schools.Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 26, 291–321.
Beichner, R.J. (1993). Technology competencies for new teachers: Issues and suggestions.Journal of Computing in Teacher Education, 9(3), 17–20.
Brickner, D. (1995).The effects of first and second order barriers to change on the degree and nature of computer usage of secondary mathematics teachers: A case study. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
Browne, D.L., & Ritchie, D.C. (1991). Cognitive apprenticeship: A model of staff development for implementing technology in schools.Contemporary Education, 63(1), 28–34.
Coburn, J. (1998). Kids in charge.Technology and Learning, 19(1), 24–36.
Cuban, L. (1986).Teachers and machines: The classroom use of technology since 1920. New York: Teachers College Press.
Cuban, L. (1993). Computers meet classroom: Classroom wins.Teachers College Record, 95, 185–210.
David, J.L. (1996). Developing and spreading accomplished teaching: Policy lessons from a unique partnership. In C. Fisher, D.C. Dwyer, & K. Yocam (Eds.),Education and technology: Reflections on computing in classrooms (pp. 237–250). San Francisco: Jossey Bass.
Dede, C. (Ed.) (1998).Learning with technology: The 1998 ASCD Yearbook. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Dexter, S.L., Anderson, R.E., & Becker, H.J. (1999). Teachers' views of computers as catalysts for changes in their teaching practice.Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 31, 221–238.
Dwyer, D.C. (1996). The imperative to change our schools. In C. Fisher, D.C. Dwyer, & K. Yocam (Eds.),Education and technology: Reflections on computing in classrooms (pp. 15–33). San Francisco: Jossey Bass.
Education Development Center (1996). National study tour of district technology integration summary report (CCT Reports, No. 14). New York: Center for Children and Technology.
Ertmer, P.A. (in progress).Helping Teachers Envision and Achieve Technology Integration through the Use of Exemplary Peer Models. Research and Development Project funded by the Multimedia Instructional Development Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
Ertmer, P.A., Addison, P., Lane, M., Ross, E., & Woods, D. (1999). Examining teachers' beliefs about the role of technology in the elementary classroom.Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 32(1), 54–72.
Ertmer, P.A., & Hruskocy, C. (1999) Impacts of a university-elementary school partnership designed to support technology integration.Educational Technology Research and Development, 47(1), 81–96.
Evans-Andris, M. (1995). An examination of computing styles among teachers in elementary schools.Educational Technology Research and Development, 43(2), 15–31.
Fisher, C., Dwyer, D.C., & Yocam, K. (Eds.). (1996).Education and technology: Reflections on computing in classrooms. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass.
Fisher, C., Wilmore, F., & Howell, R. (1994). Classroom technology and the new pedagogy.Journal of Computing in Childhood Education 5, 119–129.
Fullan, M. (1992).Successful school improvement. Bristol, PA: Open University Press.
Fullan, M. (1993).Changing forces: Probing the depths of educational reform. London: Falmer Press.
Fullan, M., & Stiegelbauer, S.M. (1991).The new meaning of educational change. New York: Teachers College Press.
Gibbons, M., & Norman, P. (1987). An integrated model for sustained staff development. In M.F. Wideen & I. Andrews (Eds.),Staff development for school improvement: A focus on the teacher (pp. 103–110). London: Falmer Press.
Gilmore, A.M. (1995). Turning teachers on to computers: Evaluation of a teacher development program.Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 27, 251–269.
Griest, G. (1996). Computer education as an obstacle to integration and internetworking.Learning and Leading with Technology, 23(7), 31–34.
Hadley, M., & Sheingold, K. (1993). Commonalties and distinctive patterns in teachers' integration of computers.American Journal of Education, 101, 261–315.
Hannafin, R.D., & Savenye, W.C. (1993). Technology in the classroom: The teachers new role and resistance to it.Educational Technology, 33(6), 26–31.
Hativa, N., & Lesgold, A. (1996). Situational effects in classroom technology implementations: Unfulfilled expectations and unexpected outcomes. In S.T. Kerr (Ed.),Technology and the future of schooling: Ninety-fifth Yearbook of the National Society for the Study of Education, part 2 (pp. 131–171). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Holloway, R.E. (1998). Diffusion and adoption of educational technology: A critique of research design. In D.J. Jonassen (Ed.),Handbook of research in educational technology (pp. 1107–1133). City, State: Macmillan.
Hooper, S., & Rieber, L. (1995). Teaching with technology. In A.C. Ornstein (Ed.),Theory into practice (pp. 155–170). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Kerr, S.T. (1996). Visions of sugarplums: The future of technology, education, and the schools. In S.T. Kerr (Ed.),Technology and the future of schooling: Ninety-fifth yearbook of the National Society for the Study of Education, (part 2), pp. 1–27. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
LaBoskey, V.K. (1994).Development of reflective practice: A study of preservice teachers. New York: Teachers College Press.
Marcinkiewicz, H.R. (1993). Computers and teachers: Factors influencing computer use in the classroom.Journal of Research in Computing in Education, 26, 220–237.
Means, B., & Olson, K. (1997).Technology and education reform: Studies of education reform. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Miller, L., & Olson, J. (1994). Putting the computer in its place: A study of teaching with technology.Journal of Curriculum Studies, 26, 121–141.
Moersch, C. (1995). Levels of technology implementation (LoTi): A framework for measuring classroom technology use. Learning and Leading with Technology, 23(3), 40–41.
Morrison, G.R., Lowther, D.L., & DeMeulle, L. (1999). Integrating computer technology into the classroom. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill/Prentice Hall.
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (1997). Technology and the new professional teacher: Preparing for the 21st century (On-line). Available: http://www.ncate.org (February 4, 1998).
Norton, P., & Wiburg, K.M. (1998).Teaching with technology. Orlando: Harcourt Brace.
Office of Educational Research and Improvement (1993).Using technology to support education reform. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Office of Technology Assessment (1995).Teachers and technology: Making the connection. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Parks, A., & Pisapia, J. (1994). Developing exemplary technology-using teachers: Research Brief #8. Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium, Richmond, VA. ERIC Reproduction Document No: 411 360.
Persky, S.E. (1990). What contributes to teacher development in technology?Educational Technology, 30(4), 34–38.
President's Panel on Educational Technology. (1997).Report to the President on the use of technology to strengthen K-12 education in the United States. Washington DC. U.S. Government Printing Office.
Riedl, J. (1995).The integrated technology classroom: Building self-reliant learners. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Ritchie, D., & Wiburg, K. (1994). Educational variables influencing technology integration.Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 2(2), 143–153.
Roblyer, M.D. (1993). Why use technology in teaching? Making a case beyond research results.Florida Technology in Education Quarterly, 5(4), 7–13.
Ryba, K., & Anderson, B. (1993).Learning with computers: Effective teaching strategies. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.
Salomon, G., & Perkins, D. (1996). Learning in Wonderland: What do computers really offer education? In S.T. Kerr (Ed.),Technology and the future of schooling: Ninety-fifth yearbook of the National Society for the Study of Education, part 2 (pp. 111–130). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Sandholtz, J.H., Ringstaff, C., & Dwyer, D.C. (1990). Teaching in high tech environments: Classroom management revisited, first-fourth year findings. Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow Research Report Number 10. (On-line). Available: http://www.research.apple.com/Research/proj/acot/full/acotRpt10full.html
Sandholtz, J.H., Ringstaff, C., & Dwyer, D.C. (1997).Teaching with technology: Creating student-centered classrooms. New York: Teachers College Press.
Sarason, S.B. (1996). Revisiting “The culture of the school and the problem of change.” New York: Teachers College Press.
Sheingold, K. (1991). Restructuring for learning with technology: The potential for synergy. Phi Delta Kappan, 73(1), 17–27.
Thornburg, D.D. (1997). 2020 visions for the future of education. Retrieved October 21, 1998 from the World Wide Web: http://www.tcpd.org/handouts/thornburg/2020visions.html
Tobin, K., & Dawson, G. (1992). Constraints to curriculum reform: Teachers and the myths of schooling. Educational Technology Research and Development, 40(1), 81–92.
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology. (1998). The President's technology initiative. Retrieved October 20, 1998 from the World Wide Web: http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/edtech/html/edtech_f.html
Van Haneghan, J.P., & Stofflett, R.T. (1995). Implementing problem solving technology into classrooms: Four case studies of teachers.Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 3(1), 57–80.
Wetzel, K. (1993). Models for achieving computer competencies in preservice education.Journal of Computing in Teacher Education, 9(4), 4–6.
Willis, J. (1992). Technology diffusion in the “soft disciplines”: Using social technology to support information technology.Computer in the Schools, 9(1), 81–105.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ertmer, P.A. Addressing first- and second-order barriers to change: Strategies for technology integration. ETR&D 47, 47–61 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02299597
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02299597