Identification of factors affecting integration of information and communication technologies in basic education schools grades from 4 through 8


Tezin Türü: Doktora

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Eğitim Fakültesi, Bilgisayar ve Öğretim Teknolojileri Eğitimi Bölümü, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2012

Öğrenci: POLAT ŞENDURUR

Danışman: İBRAHİM SONER YILDIRIM

Özet:

The purpose of the study was to identify the factors affecting the information and communication technologies. integration in the basic education schools. Mixed Model Research Design was utilized to find out the factors directly affecting integration of ICT integration in schools of K-8. Three different research methods were use sequentially. In the first step, new curricula used for Math, Social Studies and Science and Technology courses were examined to draw the pattern of ICT use defined by these curricula. In the light of the information gained through examination of curricula, 20 teachers were interviewed to understand whether they can put ICT based activities defined by curricula into practice or not. Simultaneously, they also identified common problems preventing them to integrate educational technology in their lessons and possible solutions to have a better ICT and education relationship. The literature and the information gained through first two step of the study suggested computer self-efficacy of teachers is very important factor within the integration of ICT. To assess teachers' computer self-efficacy, a questionnaire was designed by the researcher and necessary pilot studies were completed to conduct exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Final form of the questionnaire was distributed to K-8 schools' teachers from 12 predefined cities of Turkey according to statistical information provided by EUROSTAT (Statistical Office of European Union). 1025 correctly filled questionnaire forms were returned and the data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics techniques. Result of the study suggested that, Internet is the most vital technology to successfully apply the curricula. Use of Office programs and different educational software also constitute considerable part of the curricula. But teachers indicated that they cannot apply curricular ICT based activities in school setting because of lack of access to technology, literacy, training, time and confidence/self-efficacy. It is also found that, teachers' age/ and teaching experience negatively contributed to their level of computer self-efficacy when their personal or home computer use was contributing very positively. On the other hand, existing computer training programs were found less effective than expected in terms of ICT integration. Based on these results, some basic improvements and modifications in curricula, training programs, and technology infrastructure of schools were suggested.