Generational Differences of Teachers in the Integration and Usage of Technology in the Classroom

Abstract

While many researchers address the issue of how teachers use technology and others study how different generations value and use technology in their own lives and in their education, there is a lack of knowledge that addresses whether or not generation affects how teachers use technology in their own classrooms. Additionally, there is a debate in the research regarding the efficacy of computer technology as a means of transforming educational practices and revolutionizing education. Is it possible that digital natives will succeed in transforming teaching practice through the use of 21st Century computer technology?The key research question of this study is, “Does generation determine the way teachers use technology in the classroom?” The sub-questions are: o What do these differences look like between generations? o Are Millennials able to transform education through their understanding of technology? o Do Millennials have an innate understanding of efficient and productive uses of computing in education? An interview study was utilized to access direct and timely information on this topic. Thirty teachers participated in a one-hour semi-structured interview to ascertain their opinions on how technology affects their teaching practices. The interview data was coded through the lens of the Will, Skill, Tool framework to understand how and why the teachers either utilize or avoid technology in their teaching. The results of this study demonstrate some differences between the generations in the way they use and implement technology in their classrooms. Both Generation X and Baby Boomer teachers see computers as a resource that they like to have in their classrooms to provide resources to their students whereas Millennial teachers rely on and expect to use technology. While most Millennial teachers believe it is much easier to do project and inquiry-based learning with computer resources, they do not see it as a radical transformation of goals or practices. They use the computers to be more efficient and productive with planning, grading and delivering content. While technology does expand and enhance resources, it has not produced the change in teaching expected by advocates for computers in schools, in any generation of teachers, including Millennials.