Understanding Factors Influencing Teachers' Use of Technologies in Teaching STEM
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
5-2015
Publication Title
Proceedings of CSEDU 2015, ISBN: 978-989-758-108-3
Department
The Center for STEM Research, Education & Outreach
Abstract
Teachers’ adoption of technology continues to be challenging; yet, this is a critical process in the effective teaching of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Although more schools are providing technology-rich classrooms, teachers are not always incorporating the new technologies into their teaching practice in a meaningful way. In this three-year case study, we used a grounded theory approach to examine the experiences of two high school teachers working in a depressed urban setting as they began using a newly designed, innovative, high-tech STEM classroom. Data sources included semi-structured interviews and direct observation. We identified three themes related to technology use: personal learning preference, teaching philosophy, and perception of technology. We discuss these themes, highlighting examples from participants’ experiences and beliefs, as well as other factors impacting technology use that emerged during the study. These results will be of value to those supporting teachers’ integration of technology into their teaching practice.
Recommended Citation
Bracey, Georgia L. and Stephen, Mary, "Understanding Factors Influencing Teachers' Use of Technologies in Teaching STEM" (2015). SIUE Faculty Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity. 100.
https://spark.siue.edu/siue_fac/100