Understanding challenges of using ICT in secondary schools in Sweden from teachers’ perspective

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the challenges of using ICT in secondary schools in Sweden from teachers’ perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The research followed a qualitative research approach. First, a conceptual framework was developed based on previous research. Then, four teachers, teaching in six different subjects in secondary schools in Sweden, participated in semi-structured interviews that consisted of open-ended questions exploring their views on the challenges of using ICT in secondary schools.

Findings

According to the results, the authors found that the biggest challenges were associated with the perspective of teaching and teaching preparation. Most challenges from previous research have been re-confirmed by the interviewees in this study. In addition, some new challenges were identified in this study. For instance, the results indicated that it was time consuming to find plagiarism of students’ exercises, and there was a lack of ICT training of digital resources provided by the schools.

Originality/value

The investigation of using ICT in secondary schools is of scientific significance because it enriches the understanding of strengths and challenges of using ICT in educational activities. In particular, this research aims to shed light on challenges that teachers may face when using ICT in secondary schools. This research can also contribute to making future strategic plans for the use of ICT in secondary schools.

Citation

Ekberg, S. and Gao, S. (2018), "Understanding challenges of using ICT in secondary schools in Sweden from teachers’ perspective", International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, Vol. 35 No. 1, pp. 43-55. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-01-2017-0007