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Research in Information Technology -Task 1

PgD SBIT 2011

Individual Assignment 01 06 2011

Research Paper proposal related to management of ICT

Title: BARRIERS TO USE OF ICT IN TEACHING

Prepared by: Selewa Noel Johns Malani

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Barriers to the Use of ICT in Teaching

Introduction

The ICT in schools programme is each and every governments key initiative to stimulate and support the use of information and communications technology (ICT) to improve standards and to encourage new ways of teaching and learning. The enormous potential of ICT means that for the first time it is becoming possible for each child to be educated in a way and at a pace which suits them, recognizing that each is different, with different abilities, interests and needs. This report will be based on an analysis of current research about the barriers to the effective use of Information and communications technology (ICT) in teaching. It will summarize the key findings and suggests resources for further research.

To increase and improve the ICT in the classroom, a range of obstacles that prevent teachers from using ICT effectively need to be overcome. This report will aim to identify these barriers and examine their causes and effects.
Background Information

For the purpose of this report, a barrier is defined as any factor that prevents or restricts teachers use of ICT in the classroom. This research will consider barriers to the use of ICT specifically affecting in-service and pre-service teachers rather than pupils or the wider population. The burrier under consideration here will include: Resource-related factors Factors associated with training ,skills, knowledge and computer experience Attitudinal and personality factors Institutional and cultural factors Although this research will focus on barriers to use of ICT in teaching, many of the issues will also apply to teachers use of ICT for administrative purposes.

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Causes and Effects These can be broadly grouped into two Teacher level barriers and school level barriers such as : Lack of time on the part of teacher for both formal training and self directed exploration and preparing ICT resources for lessons (Preston et al.2000) Lack of self confidence in using ICT Negative experiences in using ICT in the past Fear of embarrassment in front of pupils and colleagues, loss of status and an effective degrading of professional skills(Russell & Bradley 1997) Classroom management difficulties when using ICT, especially where pupil-tocomputer ratios are poor Lack of knowledge necessary to enable teachers to resolve technical problems when they occur(Van Fossen 1999) Perception that technology does not enhance learning (Preston et al.2000) School level Lack of ICT equipment and the cost of acquiring , using and maintaining ICT resources Lack of access to ICT equipment due to organizational factors such as the deployment of computers in ICT suites rather than classrooms( Fabry and Higgs 1997; Cuban et al.2001) Lack of administrative support Lack of institutional support through leadership, planning and the involvement of teachers as well as managers in implementing change . Lack of training focusing on integrated technology in the classroom rather than simply teaching basic skills.

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Research question While the research on the barriers to effective use of ICT in general is undoubtedly important ,more focused research on the barriers relating to the use of specific technologies is increasingly necessary. The reasons behind teachers attitudes and anxieties also warrant further investigation, as does the relation between barriers to teachers use of ICT and pupils use of ICT. As technology advances and becomes ever more pervasive, it seems likely that barriers to its use will change. Research will need to and reflect how technology and cultural developments affect teachers use of ICT.

The following Research question can be formulated: These can be broadly grouped into two levels: those relating to the individual (teacher-level barriers) and those relating to the institution(school-level barriers).

1. What barriers do teachers in your school think affect their use of ICT? 2. Is the whole school involved in, and supportive of, the process of integrating ICT? 3. Are ICT resources deployed so as to enable teachers to access them easily and integrate them effectively? 4. Is your ICT training provision focused on pedagogy, differentiated by skills level, and arranged with sensitivity to teachers workloads?

Two Hypotheses that can be formulated are:

Teacher- level barriers

School-level barriers

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Research Objective (Classification and knowledge) This is an Inductive research. This is so because it will deal with human being in that it will be looking at the attitude of human beings towards ICT, perceived relevance of ICT, and innovativeness. Therefore, can be barriers in themselves and can influence or be influenced by other barriers.

Inductive research Approach description

THEORY

Conclusion is likely
TENTATIVE HYPOTHESIS

Based on premises

PATTERN

OBSERVATION

Hill Climbing

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Using Orna and Stevens Research Process Model

Define Research: Barriers to use of ICT in teaching. Search /Investigate What barriers do teachers think affect them? Is the whole school involved in, and supportive, of the process of integrating ICT? Are ICT resources deployed so as to enable teachers to access them easily? Is your ICT training provision focused ? Hypotheses Teacher level barriers School level barriers What is discovered After discovery identify these barriers and examine their causes and effects. Communicate what is discovered Is it lack of access to appropriate ICT equipment? Is it lack of time for training, exploration and preparation? Is it negative attitudes towards computers in education e.t.c.

Contribute to knowledge Contribute to the already existing facts!

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Using Orna and Stevens Research Process Model

Define the Research -Barriers to the use of ICT in Teaching

Discovery/ Search/Investigate World Knowledge Findings

Contribute to Knowledge

Communicate What is Discovered