Listening to students' and educators' voices

The views of students and early career educators about learning with technologies in Australian education and training

• Kathryn Moyle, Susanne Owen
• Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

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Image: bowbrick / Flickr

26 October 2009New research showing students' perceptions and expectations of learning with information and communications technologies has found that students believe technology is a vital learning aid.

This report outlines findings collected from listening to and analysing the views and expectations of students within Australian education and training institutions about learning with technologies. The overarching question for this research was: ‘what are the views of students and early career educators, about learning with technologies in Australian education and training?’ In 2008, students in primary and secondary schools, vocational education and training (VET) institutions, international students studying education in universities and pre-service teacher education students contributed to the research based upon their current experiences and views. Early career teachers were asked to reflect on their experiences as pre-service teachers. Data was collected through online surveys and focus groups. The research design was informed by a literature review available here.
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The purposes of this research were:

(a) To gain an improved and contemporary understanding of the expectations and
experiences of learners and early career educators, of how information and
communication technologies (ICT) may be utilized to improve learning outcomes; and

(b) To develop a better understanding of students’ and educators’ requirements regarding
ICT in education and training.
 
Image: bowbrick / Flickr