Teachers' perceptions and roles in the implementation of telecommunications in middle school
Date
1995
Authors
Buirski Burger, Nicolette
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Abstract
This study examined teachers' perceptions of the uses and effects of telecommunications on teaching and learning, and their roles in implementing telecommunications at two middle schools. The data were collected by means of a survey of the teachers and analysis of the telecommunications user logs. Interviews to enrich the survey data were conducted with seventeen volunteers to examine their perceptions of the uses and effects of telecommunications on their teaching and their students' learning. The majority (72%) of the teachers had positive attitudes towards telecommunications. The schools were found to be significantly different at the n<.05 level in attitudes towards telecommunications and their concerns about students' access to computers for use in telecommunications. The general trend was that teachers regarded inservice training, time to learn to use the technology and integrate it into their instruction, and access to computers as essential to successful implementation. Demographic factors that were important to teachers' perceptions of telecommunications were gender, teaching subject area and level of training in telecommunications. Recommendations are given for implementing technological innovations in middle schools. The success of any innovative technology program in attaining its goals and objectives depends, ultimately, upon the support of the teachers. Teacher support for a new initiative will be increased if it is
perceived as meeting their needs and expectations. Teachers' perceptions of telecommunications as a tool for teaching and learning have serious implications for the implementation of this technology in schools.