Current and Future Trends in Computer Use in Elementary School Settings

The study examined current and future trends in computer use in elementary school settings. A survey instrument was developed and validated for distribution to a random sample of 200 technology coordinators in the public school districts in the state of Texas from whom 95 responses were received. The survey instrument was used to obtain information about five areas of computer use in elementary schools. These areas are: physical configurations, instructional uses, implementation issues, training and staff development, and Internet use. The study found that all public school districts that participated in the study have acquired computer hardware in their elementary schools. In addition, some other advanced computer technology components are starting to be found in elementary schools, such as teacher workstations, CD-ROM, interactive video, computer multimedia, LCD panels, and laser printers. Respondents reported that elementary school teachers in their districts have incorporated computers into their classrooms as an instructional tool and many changes have occurred in teachers' teaching styles due to computers. However, there are some problems that hinder the effective use of computers. The major problem is lack of training. A high percentage of respondents, 81.3%, indicated that the majority of their elementary school teachers had completed less than 30 hours of technology related professional development. Another problem was lack of funding which prevents most school districts from acquiring computer hardware and software. Currently, elementary schools in 87% of districts that participated in the study are connected to the Internet and the plan is that by the year 2001 all elementary schools will be connected.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

1999

Author dc:creator

• Al-Awidi, Hamed M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hardy, Clifford A.
• Bane, Robert K.
• Knezek, Gerald

• Education, Elementary -- Texas -- Data processing.
• Computer-assisted instruction -- Texas.
• Computers and children.
• educational technology
• technology integration
• teacher education
• Internet

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Al-Awidi, Hamed M.
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 45003495
untcat: b2226122
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2208/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc2208

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc2208