The Role of Information and Communication Technologies in Schools: Perspectives of Teachers

Abstract

The aim of the study is to question the current state of ICT and to determine the role of it in schools via teachers' perspectives. The study is a qualitative study and was designed as a phenomenological research. A semi-structured interview form was used to collect the data. The participants were selected in accordance with the criterion and convenience sampling. 16 teachers have participated the study. Content analysis and descriptive analysis were used in data analysis. According to the participants, ICT is an effective and indispensable tool in schools. It has a positive role in schools. Perceptions of participants regarding the contributions of ICT in schools were, generally, positive. They think that ICT eases their profession and managerial tasks, enhances learning and motivates students. In addition, making learning process efficient, contributing to design e-materials, motivating students, enhancing academic success of students, easing measurement and evaluation, and fostering professional and personal development of teachers were found as the other contributions of ICT use in schools. However, they have some fears that undesired use of ICT may cause undesired results such as waste of time, decreasing success and making people anti-social.