Issues, challenges and needs of student science teachers in using the Internet as a tool for teaching

Abstract

In recent years there has been a strong emphasis on the value of various applications of information and communication technology as tools to support teaching and learning. One tool that has been given prominence is the Internet and in order to attain Qualified Teacher Status in England, student teachers are required to demonstrate an ability to use remote databases, such as those provided through the Internet, to support their teaching. However, the experience of the collaborating researchers, working with student teachers in five different higher education institutions, suggests that use of the Internet remains limited. This research project sought to examine current attitudes and practice amongst student secondary science teachers. In particular, factors promoting or hindering the use of the Internet in the classroom were investigated, alongside views concerning what might constitute good pedagogy. The results indicate that most student teachers are making at least some use of the Internet and see its value in promoting learning. However, many issues arose in addition to those which were simply related to lack of resources or technical difficulties. Thus the disparate nature of the material on the Internet and a perception of limited information about effective pedagogy, coupled with a shortage of role models to demonstrate successful use, were also identified as important barriers to their development of effective use of the Internet. The implications of this for initial teacher education programmes are discussed and suggestions for development and further research outlined.

Notes

1. This research was supported by an ESCalate small grant (Education Subject Centres: Advancing Learning and Teaching in Education). ESCalate is a centre for staff working in higher education and further education who teach education and continuing education. It is involved in a wide range of staff development activities related to promoting high‐quality learning and teaching in higher education. For further details see http://www.escalate.ac.uk