Teachers' Views of Computers as Catalysts for Changes in Their Teaching Practice

In this article 47 teachers were questioned, interviewed and observed on their use of computer technology in their classrooms. Of the 47 teachers, 32 of them were using a contructivist approach to teaching. They were categorized as using "progressive teaching practices and successfully integrated technology." These teachers said that they had made changes in their classrooms over the years, resulting in a more student-centered practice. When asked the question if technology had changed how they taught or if technology helped them make the changes they already wanted to make, 22 out of the 32 teachers said that technology helped them make the changes they had already wanted to make. Nineteen of the 32 constructivist teachers said that they had been the catalyst for change.The article proceeds to give examples of several of the teachers’ changes in their classroom as a result of computer technology. Generally speaking, their ideas about best teaching practices were a combination of the possibilities they were exposed to and the expectations placed on them. Again, their computer use stemmed from decisions they made about how to teach. I find it interesting that the majority of the teachers interviewed did not think the computer was a catalyst toward more constructivist practices, although they agreed it is a great tool for the classroom.