Study Shows High Adoption of Various Technologies in Canadian Classrooms

Canada’s centre for digital and media literacy MediaSmarts has partnered with the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) to survey more than 4,000 teachers across Canada about technology use in the classroom.

The study found a high adoption of various technologies in Canadian classrooms, in addition to highlighting challenges that students and teachers have faced in the process. In a statement, MediaSmarts Co-Executive Director Jane Tallim said:

“Teachers understand the importance of ensuring that young Canadians learn the digital literacy skills they need to participate in the workforce and in society as engaged, responsible citizens. We hope these findings will be used to inform policy and practice to support them in achieving these goals.”

The CTF believes that various technologies can create a rich learning experience for students. CTF President Heather Smith said:

“However, we need to carefully examine the relationship between pedagogy, curriculum and technology and to find ways how new technologies can support daily teaching practice for student learning, our top priority.”

The study found that 97 percent of teachers are provided with at least one type of networked device such as a desktop, laptop, tablet, or Smart Board. This suggests that teachers are enabling the use of technology for learning.

Overall, teachers found that technology makes a positive impact in the classroom. However, many teachers still say that they are facing roadblocks, with the main challenge being lack of support. In addition, 83 percent of teachers said that their school’s IT systems blocked access to educational sites.

About half of all Canadian teachers surveyed said that they receive insufficient support to use these new technologies to meet curricular needs.

If you are a teacher, do you feel that technology in the classrooms provides you and your students with a positive learning experience? Let us know in the comments below.