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Literature Review
Many aspects of integrating technology and collaborative learning has been studied in many parts of the
world. In India the concept is still new and the availability of resources and teachers equipped with the
skills of integrating technology as an integral part of the curriculum are limited. This review focuses on
the articles which are particularly relevant to integration of technology and collaborative learning in the
curriculum.
A number of studies have analyzed the problems in introducing technology integration at the
university level [Alison & Scott 1998, Antee & Rush 1999, Stetson, R., & Bagwell, T. 1999]. The
resistance of the teacher educators in familiarizing themselves with using and integrating technology, the proper
training required to help them integrate technology and the extra time they need to spend on learning to use
technology and guide their students is discussed by the authors. According to Antee, J., & Rush, G.
(1999,) there are five barriers that inhibit higher education faculty from integrating technology in teacher
education coursework which include less expertise of the faculty members in technology than their
students, lack of equipment and outdated equipments not replaced and overall reluctance to try something
new.
A qualitative study regarding technology integration in a teacher education programme is
presented by Falba, C. J., Strudler, N. B., & Bean, T. W. (1999). Their article describes the phases of
technology integration and then gives anecdotal type reflections from the faculty who participated in the study.
The feelings of the faculty during the various stages of integration are discussed in detail. Ennis, W.,
& Ennis, D. (1996) also offer a number of ways to enhance the use of technology in teacher education
programs.
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