Teachers' comfort level and school support in using information and communications technology (ICT) to enhance spatial thinking

Abstract

Recent rapid advancement of technologies has increased the sophisti cation of classroom instruction and provided a broad spectrum of new possibilities to develop and enhance students' learning. Based on a review of previous studies conducted in Singapore, it has been found that school leadership has some effect on teachers' comfort level in using ICT for teaching and learning. This chapter dis cusses how school leaders and middle managers influence geography teachers' comfort level in using ICT to enhance spatial thinking in students. Through surveys and interviews with ten practising geography teachers, the authors conclude that the middle managers play a vital role in sculpting an appropriate system and culture essential for teachers to feel comfortable when using ICT in their lessons. However, the chapter will also discuss the idea that geography teachers are mostly comfort able delivering only ICT-enabled lessons that involve 'spatial observation', and that school leaders and middle managers play a role in shaping these tendencies.