Teachers readiness to use the available ICT facilities : a study at Ahmadhiyya International (pre)school in Male', Maldives / Aishath Sheetha

Abstract:

The core purpose of this research is to investigate the reason for the perceived lack of readiness among the preschool teachers of Ahmadhiyya International School in Male, Maldives. Hence, the chief objectives of this research includes investigating teachers' practical knowledge in educational application of ICT, finding the volume of ICT usage in the classrooms, evaluating teachers' perception regarding the role of ICT in teaching and learning process, finding out the challenges faced by the teachers in incorporating ICT to their educational practise, finding out effective ways to encourage the teachers to use ICT resources in the classroom and identifying the level of ICT in training that teachers require. The research review literature on different aspects of ICT integration in the educational process and its benefits. Various qualitative data gathering procedures like interviews, questionnaires and field observations are used to collect data about teachers' practical knowledge in using ICT resources, their perception regarding the educational benefits of ICT resources and their attitudes towards the same. From the findings it was discovered that, although majority of the teachers have received training in ICT resources, they withdraw from using them as a result of poor quality of training, and their negative attitudes towards the same. Finally, the implications of the research findings, suggestions for further research and limitations of the present study are detailed.