Educational technology, : its present and future role in the schools of Bahrain

Abstract

Summary an in-depth look at Educational The is conclusions, suggestions and This study has taken Technology and its impact on the primary, intermediate and secondary schools of Bahrain. Evidence is presented that, despite the increasing interest in Educational Technology since the Educational Technology Centre was founded in 1973, Educational Technology has not advanced as much as might have been hoped. study is based on the premise that the quality and quantity of Educational Technology usage in the classroom conditioned by the quality and training of teachers. A semi-structured interview with senior administrators and educationalists established that there is a keen desire at this level to support and expand the role of Educational Technology in the classroom. The modifications are based on a survey conducted with a sample of 490 teachers, selected from 44 different schools at all levels in Bahrain. The questionnaire sought information on teachers' background, opinions and views on Educational Technology and its relevance for classroom teaching. Results showed that the functional role of Educational Technology, as a tool for the design of instruction is not yet fully appreciated by teachers in Bahrain. Major factors here are the need for more relevant in-service training courses and an increase in school level support. recommendations for A proposed model for teacher support is developed and additionally it is shown how this support system could be used to implement a new dimension in Bahrain schools, - the use of computers.