Investigation into the use of the Internet in some New Zealand primary and secondary schools

Abstract

Ten New Zealand Primary and Secondary school teachers were interviewed to find out their current levels, and the factors influencing their use, of the Internet in the curriculum. The influence that Internet training had on Internet use, and the type of training teachers found to be most beneficial, was also investigated. The level of Internet use in the schools surveyed was generally low. Factors found to influence Internet use were (i) ease of Internet access, (ii) age of the students being taught, (iii) resources (monetary), (iv) lack of time, (v) lack of training, and (vi) the monitoring of student use. Poor teacher self-confidence in the use of the Internet was a major finding; the concept and implementation of Internet training needs to be researched in more depth if Internet use in schools is to be maximised.