How Do Science Teachers, Students, and School Principals Evaluate the Availability, Connectivity, and Utilization of ICT Resources at Jordanian Schools?

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate the availability, connectivity, and utilization of information and communication technologies ICT resources at Jordanian schools. Seventeen interviews were conducted with science teachers, students, and school principals in 10 public schools in Jordan. Results of the study demonstrated that all ten schools are equipped with several ICT resources but the popular use of these resources was for handling schools‘ administrative work, and communicating with teachers, students, and parents. However, only few of these schools utilize their ICT resources for teaching and learning. Further analysis of the data revealed five emergent themes; (a) providing better technical support solutions, (b) moving toward wireless schools, (c) emphasizing teachers‘ training, (d) technology empowers girls, and (e) technology motivates students and energizes classrooms. The study suggests that in order to effectively prepare Jordanian youth to participate in the networked world, greater commitments are needed from government, parents, and donors to share and adopt innovative solutions; schools need to be transformed into active learning environments; and teachers and students must be empowered to be creative agents for change in their schools.