Digital learning in schools: What does it take beyond digital technology?. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sailer, Michael; Murböck, Julia; Fischer, Frank
• Is Part Of: Teaching and teacher education. Volume 103(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Digital technologies -- Teachers' skills -- Student learning activities -- Technology use in classroom -- Structural equation modeling; Teaching -- Periodicals; Teachers -- Training of -- Periodicals; Enseignement -- Périodiques; Enseignants -- Formation -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 371.10205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tate.2021.103346
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0742-051X

Abstract

Abstract: We investigated how often teachers apply digital technology in their teaching and which student learning activities teachers initiate. Further, we analyzed factors relating to technology use. 410 teachers in our sample, representative for the state of Bavaria (Germany), reported that they spend a substantial amount of time using digital technologies in a typical lesson. Results indicated that rather teachers' basic digital skills and technology-related teaching skills than digital technology resources are crucial. Even though a certain threshold level of digital technology is necessary in school, our results suggest shifting the focus from equipping schools to teachers' skills using technologies effectively. Highlights: Teachers from a representative sample (Bavaria, Germany) report how they use technology in class. Teachers are employing digital technologies frequently in their teaching. In a significant amount of the time of technology use students are passive. Availability of technology does not relate to the type of teachers' technology use. Teachers' skills are positively related to frequency and types of technology use.