Information and communication technologies (ICT) in biology teaching in Slovenian secondary schools

Abstract

About two-thirds of Slovene secondary schools received computers equipped with dataloggers and sensors to be used in teaching Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Later it was recognized that only a couple of Biology teachers were using the donated equipment in their classrooms or laboratories. The questionnaire, intended to investigate the situation, was posted to schools which had received a donation. Based on the answers, it was possible to assign computer applications from one of the three groups. In the first group were these applications (word processing, e-mail and internet use) towards which teachers have positive attitudes and that they do use for school work. The common element is that teachers can work at home and then use the materials in the classroom. In the second group were applications (presentations, use of data loggers, computer programmes and virtual laboratory) towards which attitudes are positive, but which teachers do not use because of the overloaded curriculum, lack of equipment, and inappropriate training. In the third group are applications (computer games and programming), about which attitudes are negative and which teachers do not use. The Introduction of such applications into teaching is at the moment far from realistic. © 2010 by EURASIA.