In this paper, the authors use a mixed methods study, including a survey and follow up interviews, to investigate the concerns that elementary educators in a school district in British Columbia have regarding the diffusion and integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in their teaching. The research participants identified four major categories of concerns: the philosophy and pedagogy of ICT integration; accessibility of ICT (including software, hardware and resource personnel); infrastructure technical support; and educational integration of ICT in their teaching. Based on the research findings, the authors propose appropriate intervention methods to address these concerns, including targeted professional development, technical and educational support, and sustained access to proper ICT equipment.
TopIssues In Ict Implementation
The emergence of ICT and its growing potential in improving and transforming teaching and learning has led countries to invest significantly in integrating modern technologies and education in order to help individuals develop the skills and competencies that they require to function well in information societies (Delors et al., 1996; Guzdial & Weingarten, 1995; Haddad & Draxler, 2005; Rychen & Salganik, 2003). As a result, schools are filling with computers, printers, scanners, digital cameras and the latest technical tools and equipment. New positions and centres are created to help teachers develop professionally in the area of educational technology. University education departments implement new programs to reinforce the importance of technology, and review and research teams envision a new future of learning for children (Browne & Ritchie, 1991; Carlson & Gadio, 2005; Guzdial & Weingarten, 1995; Stuhlmann & Taylor, 1999). With the emergence of new forms of ICT and multimedia, more demands are made on professional staff to acquire the skills and abilities to respond to the implementation of ICT in schools (Delors et al., 1996; Haddad & Draxler, 2005; Rychen & Salganik, 2003; Trewin, 2002). However, in the final analysis, it is the way technology is implemented by educators that determines its impact on student learning.
Despite the growing number of modern technical tools in schools, there is still scepticism about the way these new technologies are used by teachers (Becker, 1994; Cuban, 2001; Pelgrum, 2001; Plante & Beattie, 2004; U.S. Department of Education, 1999). Teachers learning technology skills in workshops do not always lead to the willingness and/or ability to implement those skills in the art of daily classroom teaching (Granger, Morbey, Lotherington, Owston, & Wideman, 2002). And as districts continue to infuse newer technologies into their systems, the necessity of understanding teachers’ perceptions, feelings and concerns towards the integration of ICT in their practice becomes more apparent. The willingness and involvement of teaching staff is essential to integrating any innovations in schools—including educational technology (Dooley et al., 1999; Haddad & Draxler, 2005; Hall & Hord, 1987).