Changes in the Approaches of Teachers Following Computerization of Schools

Abstract

This article examines the change in teachers' attitudes and instruction following computerization of their schools. Parameters chosen to assure the success of the study were: teachers' training courses, establishment of teachers' teams, teachers' expectations and willingness, and teachers' use of the computer in the school. The study took place in Israeli schools using the following tools: interviews, questionnaires, observations, case studies, and focus groups. The groups examined were teachers and students. The results showed a significant change in the teachers' attitude and instruction following computerization. Those who took training courses on computers, used computer tools as aids, and made greater use of software, had a greater willingness to employ the computer. Yet the teachers were not yet open to changing their methods by using the computer as a teaching tool and still preferred traditional frontal teaching. They stated that they did not have expectations for changing the learning process significantly as a result of computerization.