We want students to view technology as being on an equal footing with the teacher and their textbooks. If we have led readers to conclude that technology holds the key to fundamental change in teaching, learning, and schools, then we have failed in our goal. Technology is not the key to radical change - teachers are the key. As the technology boom continues, teachers will continue to be faced with increasing pressure to integrate technology into their pedagogical practices. However, little will change as long as the perceived pressure is unidirectional - meaning technology will not significantly transform the role of the teacher until teachers also begin to transform technology.
Teachers are pragmatists.
They seek means to desired ends and often find solutions in diverse and unlikely places. The average teacher, we argue, is a highly resourceful, intelligent, and creative person. Teachers must be given the time, support, and creative space to use technology in new ways that will eventually significantly change their role in the classroom. The authors would like to thank Kristin White for her thoughtful comments on earlier drafts of this paper. References Boice, J.E. 2000.