Factors Influencing Teachers' Use of Technology and PBL in Middle School Science Classrooms

The purpose of this study is to examine middle school teachers' use of technology and problem-based learning (PBL) in their teaching practice. Factors related to teachers' use of technology and PBL are also investigated including: teachers' computer and Internet skills, feelings of preparedness to use the Internet, attitudes toward the use of web resources, pedagogical beliefs, science teaching efficacy, and the use of general teaching strategies. Twenty-seven middle school science, math, and technology teachers participated in the study. Research results describe the participants as slightly proficient in computer and Internet skills, positive toward use of web resources, and neutral on feelings of preparedness toward use of computer and the Internet. Participants also tended toward constructivist pedagogical beliefs and used various teaching strategies. They, however, reported low science teaching efficacy. Teachers' use of computers and the Internet correlated with pedagogical beliefs and feelings of preparedness toward the use of computers and the Internet. The study also found the relationships between the use of PBL and teachers' computer and internet skills, pedagogical beliefs, and the use of general teaching strategies. Also discussed are meaningful implications for teachers' professional development, especially for the programs designed to facilitate the use of web-enhanced PBL.