Factors enabling the use of technology in subject teaching

• Published in: International journal of education and development using information and communication technology Vol. 9; no. 3; pp. 50 - 60
• Main Author: Cubukcuoglu, Begum
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bridgetown International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology 01.10.2013
• Subjects: Access to Computers; Case Studies; Cyprus; Education; Educational Environment; Educational Objectives; Educational Planning; Educational Technology; Foreign Countries; Internet; Interviews; Learning; Learning Processes; Qualitative Research; Research Methodology; Schools; Secondary Education; Secondary School Teachers; Semi Structured Interviews; Software; Students; Teacher Attitudes; Teaching; Teaching Methods; Technological change; Technology Integration; Technology Uses in Education; Cyprus
• ISSN: 1814-0556; 1814-0556

The importance of information and communication technologies in the teaching and learning process has been proven by many research studies to be an effective way of supporting teaching and learning. Although many teachers do not use new technologies as instructional tools, some are integrating information and communication technologies innovatively into their teaching. There are a number of factors which encourage these teachers to use information and communication technologies in the teaching and learning environment. This article discusses the factors that encourage Turkish Cypriot teachers to integrate technology into the classroom. The data were gathered from seven volunteer subject teachers teaching Mathematics, Foreign Languages, Social Sciences, and Science. Qualitative research methods including semi-structured interviews were employed in the study. The findings indicate that in order to create an environment where technology is used frequently and effectively, it is important to support the needs of teachers in using technology in teaching and learning. In other words, it is important to attempt to remove the possible barriers that hinder frequent technology use and to identify the enablers that promote it. The enabling factors would help teachers to be motivated and enthusiastic users of ICT in education. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]