Beliefs about using technology in the mathematics classroom: Interviews with pre-service elementary teachers

Abstract

This study explored the efficacy of web-based workshops in topics in elementary school mathematics in fostering teachers' confidence and competence in using instructional technology, and thereby promoting more positive attitudes toward using computers and Internet resources in the mathematics classroom. It consisted of in-depth interviews of selected workshop participants in order to provide information on whether the goals of the workshops were realized, and if so, in what ways these goals were accomplished. The interviews showed that most of the students in the experimental group felt comfortable using web-based resources in teaching elementary school mathematics. It was also found through the interviews that all students agreed that the workshops helped them become more confident in using computers to teach mathematics. The findings of this study provide further compelling evidence to support the recommendations of many national reports, such as the NCTM Professional Standards for School Mathematics (2000), to substantially increase the role of instructional technology in the contemporary mathematics classroom. Copyright © 2008 by Moment.