Teachers' Perception of Computer Use and Technical Support in a Rural Virginia School Division: A Case Study

• Main Author: Berry, Rodney
• Format: Others
• Published: VCU Scholars Compass 2011
• Subjects: Teachers' Perception Computer Use Rural School Division; Education; Educational Leadership
• Online Access: http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/2634; http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3633&context=etd

The purpose of this study was to investigate teacher perceptions of computer-based technology and technology support provided by a rural school division; the extent of teachers’ self reported computer skills, comfort levels, perception of obstacles; and the amount of support, time, and training available to them to accomplish the integration during the course of instruction. This research was conducted during the 2010-2011 school term as a case study of a small rural K-12 school division in southern Virginia, consisting of teachers from each core curriculum from each of the three schools, selected deliberately. The study was divided into three phases: an analysis of the school survey; focus group discussion with teachers; and qualitative data generated from focus group interviews. A major finding was that the teachers contend that classroom practices can be changed if teachers are given time to plan how to integrate technology in instruction, thus better preparing students for the 21st century. To accomplish this changed school leaders need to promote opportunities and remove obstacles that impede effective technology integration, and that additional time, access, and training should be established. Because teacher perceptions impact the success of technology integration and support, it is imperative to provide sufficient time for training on how to utilize available equipment in the classroom. This study also reinforced the importance of understanding teacher perceptions which are as important a resource as the hardware and software in computer-based technology in order to promote the successful integration of computer technology in classrooms.