Teachers warm to computers but lack of training, PCs limits classroom computing

Teachers are increasingly using computers for administrative tasks like record-keeping and communicating with parents and peers but that new comfort level doesn't translate to the use of computers in the classroom, according to a new study from CDW Government (CDW-G).

In a press release, Chris Rother, a VP for education at CDW-G,  said:

Teachers are focused on using technology as an aid to respond to the increasing administrative requirements of K-12 education. While the resulting productivity improvements are good news for educators and administrators, the focus on administrative applications may reduce efforts to leverage technology to improve classroom instruction and student learning.

The study, conducted in March and April 2005,  found that 86% of teachers used computers for administrative tasks and 54% used them in the classroom. Those figures largely reflect the kind of training teachers receive. Eight-five percent of teachers said they had  been adequately trained on general computer and Internet use, while 27% said they had received no training on integrating computers  into lessons and 26% said they received no training on instructional software.

Funding for classroom computers is also inadequate. Sixty percent of teachers said computers improve classroom performance but only 38% say they have the right number of PCs.

See the Cnet News.com article on the survey.