Accessibility and Usage of Technology by North Carolina Agriculture Teachers

Abstract

This study examined the integration of technology into the instructional process in North Carolina agricultural education classrooms. The study used survey research methodology to collect information on the availability of instructional technology and the frequency of instructional technology use by North Carolina agriculture teachers. The study found most teachers had access to digital projectors and digital cameras. Agriculture teachers also had convenient access to a teacher desktop computer and teacher laptop computer. The most commonly used software included Internet browsers and software for managing student records. Use of technology by agriculture students was less frequent and commonly consisted of Internet searching and use of reference materials on CD-ROMs. It is recommended the findings of this research study be used to inform future professional development offerings. Also, there should be additional investigation of appropriate learner-centered approaches to technology integration and continued research on the availability and utilization of educational technology in agriculture classrooms over time.