A study of Hong Kong home economics teachers’ adoption of information and communication technologies

Abstract

Research has indicated that, despite support through policy and resources provision in many countries, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have made little impact in the classroom practices and teachers are still using traditional expository pedagogy. The purpose of this study was to investigate what factors might be affecting the change process in achieving the optimum 21st Century teaching of Home Economics in Hong Kong, with ICT forming a part of the teaching and learning process. The integration of ICT is a major educational change to achieving 21st Century teaching and learning. It involves instructional changes in the classroom from a teacher-centred to a student-centred approach and changes in the use of curriculum resources and personal beliefs. This educational change is a complex process and is affected by many factors. These factors include principals in schools, teachers, technical support, computer resources and professional development opportunities. Many barriers also exist which hinder the integration of ICT by the teachers. A questionnaire survey distributed to 350 secondary schools elicited 252 responses. The survey results revealed that teachers typically had attained at least the Intermediate standard on the Hong Kong IT competence for teachers, held positive attitudes and had access to ICT in their teaching space. Interviews and classroom observations were also conducted with six teachers which provided further evidence of how ICT were used by the teachers. Teachers saw problems with a lack of time to practise their IT skills and there was a strong agreement about the need for professional development in the specifics of working with ICT in Home Economics. Factors which are unique to the Hong Kong situation were identified to explain the current situation. By identifying the factors and barriers affecting the change process, and the needs and problems of the teachers in integrating ICT, suggestions were made on how ICT can be adopted and integrated more effectively in the Home Economics classrooms.