ICT for ICT’s sake: Secondary teachers’ views on technology as a tool for teaching and learning

  • Adam Bertram Monash University
  • Bruce Waldrip Monash University
Keywords: ICT Education, Teacher Pedagogy

Abstract

This paper reports on a study that sought to explore the pedagogical reasoning behind the use of ICT in secondary teachers’ classes. In particular, it explored the question of whether their use of ICT was driven by pedagogical ideals for meaningful learning or whether they were using technology for other purposes. Eighteen teachers from two Australian regional secondary schools were asked how they currently use and integrate ICT into their regular curriculum practices and their reasons for so doing. This paper specifically takes an evaluative look at the pedagogical reasons behind teachers' attitudes, views and reasons for using ICT as a learning vehicle. The study revealed that ICT was largely being used for ICT’s sake rather than for any convincing or meaningful pedagogical purpose.

Author Biographies

Adam Bertram, Monash University
Dr. Adam Bertram is a lecturer in the Faculty of Education. Adam's teaching commitments include preparing undergraduate and graduate students for teaching in primary and secondary schools. Before becoming a lecturer, Adam taught science, mathematics and physics for eight years at the high school level at an independent college in Victoria. During this time, he began his doctoral thesis. Adam's thesis explored the development of science teachers' specialist knowledge of teaching through developing and articulating their pedagogical content knowledge (PCK - the knowledge of teaching content in a particular way for a particular reason). This led Adam to become interested in teacher knowledge and teacher development research, particularly within the realm of science education. For his work on PCK, he has been invited to present and conduct workshops with teachers nationally and internationally. Adam's current research includes teacher development, PCK, science education and ICT education.
Bruce Waldrip, Monash University
Bruce Waldrip is an Associate Professor at Monash University. Bruce is interested in how students learn and particularly as to how reasoning assists learning. He is the recipient of nine Australian Research Council grants into learning.

References

Chen, R. (2010). Investigating models for pre-service teachers’ use of technology to support student-centered learning. Computers & Education, 55, 32-42.

Clandinin, D. J., & Connelly, F. M. (2000). Narrative inquiry. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Conle, C. (2003). An anatomy of narrative curricula. Educational Researcher, 32(3), 3–15.

Donnelly, D., McGarr, O., & O’Reilly, J. (2011). A framework for teachers’ integration of ICT into their classroom practice. Computers & Education, 57, 1469-1483.

Garcia-Valcarcel, A. (2010). Integrating ICT into the teaching-learning process. British Journal of Educational Technology, 41(5), 75-77.

Girvan, C., & Savage, T. (2010). Identifying an appropriate pedagogy for virtual worlds: A communal constructivism study. Computers & Education, 55, 342-349.

Harris, J.B., & Hofer, M.J. (2011). Technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) in action: A descriptive study of secondary teachers’ curriculum-based, technology-related instructional Planning. Journal of Research of Technology in Education, 43(3), 211-229.

Hattie, J.C. (2009). Visible Learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. London & New York: Routledge.

Klein, P (2006) The challenges of scientific literacy: From the viewpoint of second-generation cognitive science. International Journal of Science Education, 28(2-3), 143–178.

McFarlane, A. (1997). Information technology and authentic learning: realising the potential of computers in the primary classroom: London: Routledge.

Mouza, C. (2011). Promoting urban teachers’ understanding of technology, content, and pedagogy in the context of case development. Journal of Research of Technology in Education, 44(1), 1-29.

Rogers, A. (2003) What is the difference? A new critique of adult learning and teaching. Leicester: NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education).

Savin-Baden M. (2008). From cognitive capability to social reform? Shifting perceptions of learning in immersive virtual worlds. ALT-J: Research in Learning Technology, 16(3), 151-161.

Selinger, M. (1998) Encouraging peer collaboration and tutorial support through electronic forums in higher education. Paper presented at the Symposium ' Educational Change within Higher Education' British Educational Research Association, Belfast, 27-30 August, 1998.

Schebeci, R., MacCullum, J., Cumming-Potvin, W., Durrant, C.,

Kissane, B., & Miller, E. (2011). Teachers’ journey towards critical use of ICT. Learning, Media and Technology, 33(4), 313-327.

Schwartz, D & Heiser, J. (2006) Spatial representations and imagery in learning. In R,K. Sawyer (Ed), The Cambridge handbook of the learning sciences (pp. 283-298). New York: Cambridge University Press.

Staub, F.C., & Stern, E. (2002). The nature of teachers' pedagogical content beliefs matters for students' achievement gains: Quasi-experimental evidence from elementary mathematics. Journal of Educational Psychology, 94(2), 344-355

VCAA. (2011). Victorian Essential Learning Standards. Retrieved from http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/prep10/vels/.

Webb, M., & Cox, M. (2004). A review of pedagogy related to information and communications technology. Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 13(3), 235-286.

Wickmann, P.-O. (2006). Aesthetic experience in science education: Learning and meaning-making as situated talk and action. London; Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Wiliam, D. (2011). What is assessment for learning? Studies In Educational Evaluation, 37(1), 3-14.

Wilkan, G., & Molster, T. (2011). Norwegian secondary school teachers and ICT. European Journal of Teacher Education, 34(2), 209-218.

Zhao, Y., Pugh, K., Sheldon, S., & Byers, J. (2002). Conditions for classroom technology. Teachers College, Record, 104(3), 482-515.

Published
2013-07-31
How to Cite
Bertram, A., & Waldrip, B. (2013). ICT for ICT’s sake: Secondary teachers’ views on technology as a tool for teaching and learning. Australian Educational Computing, 28(1). Retrieved from http://journal.acce.edu.au/index.php/AEC/article/view/9
Section
Research Articles (Refereed/Reviewed)