Journal Article: Factors That Influence Elementary Teachers Use of Computers

This study examines the factors that influence the use of computers in the teacher’s classroom and the ways they make use of them. Surveys were given to recent graduates from an elementary teacher preparation program. The findings indicated that teachers believed the use of computers allowed students to construct ideas for themselves, thus aligning with the constructivism theory. K – 3 students primarily used computers for drill and practice activities. Older students spent more time on word processing and all elementary grades used the WWW. The reports showed students used the computers in three ways: general software applications, complex/multimedia and communication tasks, and practice/simulations. Some software consisted of Kid Pix for graphics and word processing, Graph Club for spreadsheets or Reader Writer for authoring. Games for skills were given the highest percentage. The elementary teachers cited their greatest barriers to computers were too much curriculum to cover, lack of time in daily schedule and high stakes testing. However it was found that the teachers in this study were able to overcome the perceived barriers. The factors that influenced the computer use in the classroom were leadership, access and availability, incentives, personnel support, external constraints and philosophy. Stipends were the greatest factor in acquiring use of computers. These six support factors were also used to predict how the students used the computers. I would appreciate any thoughts or feedback you may have on this article. Did you find this article helpful? Do you agree or disagree? If you are teaching, how do you integrate the use of technology in your classroom? Thanks so much!
Franklin, C. (2007).Factors That Influence Elementary Teachers Use of Computers. Jl. of Technology and Teacher Education, 15 (2), 267-293