Veteran Teachers and Technology: A Call to Action

All teachers bring immense value to education. However, some struggle to adapt to new technologies in the classroom. This article explores these challenges, highlights the invaluable role educators play, and offers practical solutions to support their transition into tech-enabled teaching.

I had the privilege of training teachers at a government school in Abeokuta a few years ago. While my training was ongoing and I was excitedly introducing one tech principle after another and tech tool after another, one teacher—let’s call her Mrs Ajayi, stopped me. She was in her late fifties, a seasoned educator with over three decades of teaching experience.

Her students adored her, and her colleagues respected her wealth of knowledge. Yet, when it came to using technology in the classroom, Mrs. Ajayi was hesitant. “Young man,” she said with a chuckle, “I’ve been teaching for over 30 years and will retire soon. Do I really need to learn all this tech stuff?” Her words stuck with me. They weren’t just an excuse; they reflected a deeper issue.

As classrooms worldwide embrace digital transformation, many older teachers like Mrs. Ajayi find themselves at a crossroads. They bring invaluable experience and wisdom to their schools but often struggle to adapt to the rapid changes brought by educational technology (EdTech). Their reluctance to embrace these tools isn’t rooted in laziness or incompetence but often in fear, misinformation, and the overwhelming pace of change.

The Value of Experience

Older teachers are the backbone of our schools. They’ve weathered countless changes in curricula, pedagogical trends, and student behaviours. Their deep well of experience allows them to mentor younger colleagues, connect theory to practice, and provide students with stability and wisdom. However, in an era where classrooms are increasingly driven by technology, their reluctance to adapt can create challenges. And this is where policymakers, school owners, and administrators have a role to play—not to criticize but to support.

Why the Resistance?

To understand how to help, we first need to understand why older teachers often resist EdTech. There are three main reasons:

1. Fixed Mindset:?Many teachers have operated in traditional classrooms for decades. The idea of radically changing their teaching methods can feel daunting, even unnecessary. “If it worked for years, why change it now?” they ask.
2. Myths About Technology:?Some believe that technology is too complicated or that it will make teachers redundant. Others think technology might encourage students to be lazy. These misconceptions often result from a lack of exposure or poor communication about the benefits of EdTech.
3. Lack of Motivation:?Without clear incentives or immediate needs, it can be hard to persuade someone nearing retirement to invest time and energy in learning new skills. Why go through the hassle if retirement is just a few years away?

How We Can Help

Supporting older teachers isn’t just about giving them tools and hoping for the best. It requires a thoughtful, empathetic approach that acknowledges their challenges and builds on their strengths. Here are some practical ways to do this:

1. Make Training Practical and Ongoing

Training should focus not just on how to use technology but on how to teach effectively with it. Imagine a workshop where teachers learn to use simple, gamified apps to make lessons more interactive. They could design their own activities during the session and later share their successes and challenges in follow-up meetings. This kind of hands-on, ongoing support can make technology feel less intimidating and more useful.

2. Encourage a Growth Mindset

Changing attitudes starts with showing teachers the practical benefits of technology. For example, demonstrate how a simple AI tool can grade assignments or personalize feedback, saving hours of manual work. When teachers see how these tools can make their jobs easier, they’re more likely to give them a try.

3. Simplify the Buzzwords

The language of EdTech can be overwhelming. Terms like “flipped classrooms” or “gamification” might sound alien to someone unfamiliar with them. Instead of jargon, offer step-by-step guidance. Show teachers how to record a short video lesson on their smartphone or create a simple digital quiz. Small, achievable tasks build confidence.

4. Introduce Peer Mentoring

Younger teachers, often more tech-savvy, can serve as mentors to their older colleagues. A school could set up a buddy system where a younger teacher works with an older one to plan lessons that incorporate technology, troubleshoot issues, and share feedback. These partnerships foster collaboration and mutual respect while helping older teachers feel supported.

5. Start Small

Change doesn’t have to happen all at once. Introduce technology incrementally, starting with simple tools. For instance, begin with using PowerPoint for presentations or WhatsApp for communicating with students. Once teachers are comfortable, gradually introduce more advanced tools. In one school, I helped a group of older teachers create video lessons using just their smartphones. Over time, they became confident enough to experiment with interactive tools like Kahoot and Quizizz.

A Shared Responsibility

The future of education lies in collaboration, not division. Older teachers bring wisdom, while younger ones bring fresh perspectives and technological fluency. By working together, we can create classrooms where experience and innovation thrive side by side.

But this requires effort from all stakeholders. School owners need to invest in regular, meaningful training. Policymakers must ensure that professional development is accessible and inclusive. Administrators should foster environments that encourage continuous learning, regardless of age.

A Final Thought

When I think back to Mrs. Ajayi, I’m reminded that no teacher—regardless of age—should be left behind in the digital age. With the right support, even the most hesitant educators can not only adapt but thrive in today’s tech-driven classrooms. And in doing so, they’ll continue to shape the lives of countless students for years to come.

Originally published on Trysting EduNetwork website