An Analysis of Microcomputer Use among Tennessee Science Teachers [electronic resource] / Sandi S. Bigham.
To study the perceived needs of the rural science teacher a random sampling of rural and non-rural Tennessee teachers (200) responded to a survey which addressed several areas of concern. This paper deals only with questions concerning microcomputer use--the availability of computers for teachers�...
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| Format: | Electronic eBook |
| Language: | English |
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Distributed by ERIC Clearinghouse,
1993.
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| Summary: | To study the perceived needs of the rural science teacher a random sampling of rural and non-rural Tennessee teachers (200) responded to a survey which addressed several areas of concern. This paper deals only with questions concerning microcomputer use--the availability of computers for teachers' use, frequency of student computer use, frequency of teacher computer use, and primary purposes for using the computer. Data analysis revealed that computers have had little impact on science education in Tennessee's secondary schools and are being used to only a limited degree; in a large percentage of schools, computers are not being used at all. There did not appear to be any inequities in computer availability between rural and non-rural schools, however, science teachers appeared to be uneasy about fitting computers into their daily routines. In light of the findings in this research, two recommendations are made: the study should be expanded to include findings of the other participating states, and combining of data across the states would result in a large enough pool of computer teachers for effective comparison with noncomputer teachers. It is suggested that science teachers be made aware that computers have the potential to be tools for instruction, providing ways for students to increase problem-solving skills and engage in higher-order learning. Six statistical tables are included. (LL) |
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| Item Description: | ERIC Document Number: ED367648. ERIC Note: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Mid-South Educational Research Association (New Orleans, LA, November 10-12, 1993). |
| Physical Description: | 15 p. |