Information technology in the Maltese primary classroom : first considerations and implications for classroom pedagogy

Abstract

Computers were introduced in the local state primary school system as a teaching and learning resource across the curriculum in October 1996. Three questionnaires were devised in order to conduct a thorough research on (a) teachers' attitudes towards computer use in primary schools before and after the introduction took place; (b) teachers' level of preparation and involvement in this innovation; (c) the problems they are encountering; (d) the importance LT. is given in the curriculum; (e) parents' opinions about the presence of computers in the classroom. These questionnaires were distributed to thirteen primary state schools and to one private school in Malta. Some observation in these schools was also carried out in order to find out the extent to which children are managing to engage with software activities; whether boys and girls have the same opportunities when using computers in class; and whether there exists any difference among children with different computer backgrounds. The dissertation begins with a literature review and then proceeds by an analysis, an interpretation and a discussion of the results obtained from the questionnaires.