PERCEPTIONS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ON THE USE OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING PROCESS: THE CASE OF GULBENKIAN XXI LEARNING COMMUNITIES

Abstract

This study analyzed primary school teachers’ perceptions of the impact of the technological component of the Promoting Change in Learning — Gulbenkian XXI School Learning Communities’ Project (Promoção de Mudanças na Aprendizagem — Comunidades Escolares de Aprendizagem Gulbenkian XXI) project on students, teachers, and pedagogical-didactic practices. Teachers participated in semi-structured interviews. The results showed improvements in the professional development of teachers associated with the development of IT skills. Teachers reported that technology use promoted new educational dynamics that facilitated the teaching-learning process and improved student learning. The introduction of technology into the classroom required significant investment in teacher training, as well as their hard work and dedication.