Malaysian Science Teachers’ Tech-infused Instruction and Assessment Strategies

Abstract

Science education consistently displays unique traits shaped by evolving educational landscapes, as well as global trends and developments. Despite global enthusiasm for technology in education, there is a notable dearth of studies on Malaysian science teachers' skills in integrating instructional technology. Studies in this region seldom delve deeply into the use of specific Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and web platforms in teaching and assessment, indicating a significant gap in the literature on technology integration in Malaysian science classrooms. This paper presents a study carried out involving a survey of 36 science teachers across 16 secondary schools in a district in Kelantan, one of the eastern states in Malaysia. It aimed to achieve the following research objectives: 1) To examine science teachers’ use of digital tools and technology in lesson planning and the development of educational materials; 2) To investigate science teachers’ incorporation of technology into their science instruction; and 3) To determine how technology is integrated into the science assessment and reporting process. The findings reveal a high level of digital resourcefulness among teachers, contrasting with prior studies that indicated minimal technological integration in Malaysian classrooms. Teachers predominantly relied on web resources like YouTube and online textbooks for lesson planning, while Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides were frequently used in instruction. Google Classroom and Quizizz were identified as the most common platforms in science assessments. The findings highlight a significant shift in technology usage, advocating for continued professional development, collaborative networks, and policy reforms to further integrate technology into science education. It also suggests that future studies should focus on more specific aspects of technology use, aiming to enhance its impact on teaching methodologies and curriculum alignment, thus making a significant contribution to the discourse on instructional technology in Malaysian science education.