Students and teachers are alternative beats of the same heart called education! In addition to the constant communication between the teacher and the student in academic surroundings in school and colleges, another development has strongly intervened in the system of education and it concerns both profoundly–the emergence of the internet in the field of education! A. W. Bates opines, “….there have been major successes in using technology in education, and certainly we believe that the development of the Internet in particular is proving to be a technology that is leading to major changes in the educational system.”
To integrate technology into teaching in education is universally accepted. The instructors need to make critical decisions about its application in the school-college curriculum. A decision model has to be adopted by each educational institution and for that key criterion for selection of suitable technologies needs to be discussed and decided by the decision making authorities.
Teaching by technology has decided advantages but it involves challenges for teaching as well as learning. It is true that technology has contributed to the advancement in the system of imparting education. At the same time it has added to the workload—importantly time-bound workload—of the teachers and students. Striking equilibrium between the demands of the students on the teacher’s time, and the work-hours devolved on the teachers has developed into a tough proposition. Ms. Sara Bubb opines, “…over the last five years or so there has been mounting concern over teacher workload and the associated problems of health, well-being, recruitment and retention. Teachers need time to reflect on their work, plan lessons, develop skills and knowledge, and interact with colleagues.”
Budget the time for teaching, control the workload, and carry out the responsibilities efficiently–this has been the prime task of the teaching community. Diversified student composition in the classroom adds to the challenges of the teacher. The Government is seized of this issue, but the ultimate solutions will have to found at the grassroots level at the educational institutions. A tired and exhausted teacher cannot discharge one’s duties effectively. Such an individual is unable to focus on the important aspect of his assignment-teaching. It has been observed that teaches are expected to spend about 20% of their time on non-teaching duties, which could be handled by other supporting staff.
The main concern of the teaching community is how to achieve a work-life balance. The changes happening are challenges to the teachers. Bubb concludes, “The majority of the teachers surveyed, said the pressure of work left them with no time to join in with any family activities during term time, which often led to arguments and resentment within the family.”(p.8)
So, the following module of instructions should help the teaching community to reduce stress, optimize the time spent on jobs while at work, prioritize the responsibilities, and do reflective exercises periodically. Teaching has been considered as a fulfilling, soul-stirring and a profession that offers satisfaction—is needs to continue to remain so for the welfare of the student community in particular and society as a whole.
Module:
1. Budget time. Allocate it by taking note of the following factors.
2. Marking/correcting the papers and lesson preparation.
3. Non-teaching contacts with parents and students.
4. Interaction with school staff/management.
5. Administrative responsibilities.
6. Individual/professional development to better prospectus.
7. Rest and recreation with the members of the family/socializing with friends.
8. Take independent initiatives to update technical skills.
9. Neither be too dominant nor be too reserved with the students. Do not underestimate or overestimate their abilities.
10. Encourage students to contribute. Let it not be one way traffic. You lecture and the students just listen! Let your authority be to contribute to student’s growth.
References:
Bates, A.W. (Author), Poole Gary (Author): Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education: Foundations for Success (The Jossey-Bass Higher and Adult Education Series) Jossey-Bass; 1 edition, August 15, 2003. p.8
Bubb, Ms Sara (Author), Earley, Professor Peter: Managing Teacher Workload: Work-Life Balance and Well-being: Sage Publications Ltd; 1 edition, September 27, 2004. P.3-4
