Public school education in brick and mortar schools continuously finds itself at a crossroads between traditional methods and technological advances. While some schools are afraid to embrace the many benefits that technology provides, others are finding ways to integrate cutting-edge advances into their educational systems.
Take teletherapy for example. Twenty years ago, no one knew what it was. Today, teletherapy has become a household word in many school districts across the country. School administrators and special education directors who are taking advantage of the digital world are giving their students an invaluable service while maintaining clinical effectiveness..
Beyond teletherapy, the question must be asked: Why are so many excellent administrators so reluctant to bring technology into their schools?
It may well be that some of the reasons for this reticence have nothing to do with the technology but rather misconceptions revolving around fear.
1. Too Busy
Many administrators live in fear of not being able to meet their national and state standards – not to mention federal mandates. This leaves no time (nor head space) to even consider potentially transformative transitions to technology. This is heartbreaking, as the time and effort to integrate technology doesn’t take as much time as people think, and the time saved in the end will be more than worth it.
It would be in the best interest of these same administrators to spend even a minimal amount of time exploring how technology can be leveraged to improve both education and mandated therapies. This small investment can do wonders in showing these administrators just how much they can improve their students’ lives.
2. Don’t Have The Money
Let’s say our dedicated administrator was willing to invest the time to investigate the plethora of options and benefits afforded by technology. Even if he/she was convinced that making the change is the smart thing to do, where is the money to pay for it? Budget cuts everywhere instill fear in allocating funds to invest in new technologies.
Unfortunately being afraid to spend the money, is also the result of short-sighted thinking. After all, there are many creative ways to trim that budget, or access free resources to provide the discretionary income needed for the initial investment in critical technological advances that will save money down the road.
3. Inferior Assessments
Several school administrators harbor a fear that technology undermines the assessment process. However, what is this based on other than the belief that the only accurate methods of assessment are the traditional ones that are so familiar? Today, many software programs have assessment capacities that are effective..
4. Losing Control
People are always frightened of giving up control, to any degree. As it turns out, the most effective integration of technology requires administrators and teachers handing over some power to the students. But perhaps the concern is mostly unfounded. Although there will be an initial period of adjustment, soon a new equilibrium will be established, which will provide greater comfort for everyone involved.
Teletherapy As The Model
We need to admit to ourselves that all of the misconceptions above arouse a sense of fear that can paralyze embracing technology and its many benefits. However, if we look no further than the many benefits that online therapy has provided in the areas of convenience and cost to so many additional students while maintaining quality, the truth is quite evident to see.
Is your school looking to explore the benefits of teletherapy? Schedule your free demo today.
