Teachers’ use of technology and the impact of Covid-19

Abstract

Teaching online poses challenges for teachers trained primarily to work face to face. The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown of schools has forced teachers to move online to ensure students continue their studies. This is not an easy transition and success depends on educators having the skills, knowledge, and competencies for online teaching. As part of the Adaptive and Inclusive Learning Environment (AILE) project, this study surveyed 38 primary and post-primary teachers in Ireland on their use of technology and the impact of Covid-19 on their work. The findings present teachers’ perceptions of their own skills and competencies and the challenges experienced in using technology. The research highlights the technological requirements for successful online teaching.

Keywords:

• Technology use
• Covid-19
• teaching online
• training

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 AILE is an Erasmus+ European project designed to provide teachers with better educational opportunities for the integration of all pupils to meet learning requirements, receive equal opportunities and improve their educational development.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Erasmus+ programme of the European Union [grant number FR01-KA201-008734].

Notes on contributors

Eileen Winter

Dr. Eileen Winter, (C.Psych. PhD) is an experienced educator and psychologist currently Director of Academic Programmes with ICEP Europe. She has developed and taught on graduate and post-graduate programmes in Special Education, Inclusion and Psychology in N. Ireland, Ireland and Canada. Eileen’s research interests include teachers’ mental health, the use of technology in schools, research methodology and ethics in research with children and vulnerable groups.

Aisling Costello

Dr. Aisling Costello (BSc. Psychology; PhD) formerly a researcher for ICEP Europe, currently works as an assistant lecturer of psychology at the Technological University of Dublin. Her research interests include developmental psychology, well-being, social media, identity, relationships and sexuality education.

Moya O’Brien

Dr. Moya O’Brien (CPsychol, PhD) is a clinical psychologist, co-founder of ICEP Europe and a member of both PSI and BPS. She is involved in ongoing research in the area of resilience, assistive technology and online learning.

Grainne Hickey

Dr. Grainne Hickey (BA Mod (Psychology, PhD) is Research and Projects Manager with ICEP Europe. Dr. Hickeys research interests include applied research, implementation science and evidence-based practice with children, young people and their families.