Teachers’ Technology Use and the Change of Their Pedagogical Beliefs in Korean Educational Context

Abstract

Many researchers have attempted to identify the factors that lead teachers to use technology in the classroom. However, few studies have examined whether and how teachers’ technology use change their pedagogical beliefs. Therefore, this study investigates how teacher-related factors influence teachers’ use of technology, and how changes subsequently occur in their pedagogical beliefs when they incorporate technology into their teaching practice. The study participants were 659 in-service teachers from elementary schools in South Korea. We employed structural equation modeling to determine the relationship between the intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing teachers’ use of technology, as well as changes in their pedagogical beliefs. The results showed that an intrinsic factor, namely teachers’ attitude toward technology, mostly drives their use of technology in practice, and triggers changes in their beliefs. In addition, extrinsic factors such as the pressure to use technology and administrative support can affect teachers’ use of technology and changes in their beliefs. Finally, this study provides implications for teachers, school administrators, and policymakers that contribute to the discussion on technology integration in the classroom.