Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of Internet-using teachers in grades 4–8 regarding: (1) effective uses of the Internet as a resource tool for teachers; (2) effective uses of the Internet in the classroom for student learning; (3) district level actions that promote Internet use in the classroom; and (4) the elements of an effective staff development program to prepare teachers for use of the Internet in the classroom. Methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using e-mail linked to an online questionnaire. Sixty California teachers participated. Findings. Responses to Research Question One revealed that teachers used the Internet as a resource tool to access classroom lesson plans and instructional support materials, to research curriculum content, and as a tool to communicate. Teachers responding to Research Question Two said they used the Internet for student access to current information, data, and research, as a communication tool for students, and to participate in online projects and lessons. Teachers responding to Research Question Three said that commitment by the district to providing funding for equipment and staff development were actions that promoted Internet use in the classroom. Responses to Research Question Four revealed that training on the specific elements of the Internet and having an ongoing peer mentoring or coaching program were elements of an effective Internet staff development program. Conclusions and recommendations. It can be concluded that teachers will find value in using the Internet if they use it to access lesson plans and support materials, and allow their students to access all the current information, data, and research that is available. Implications for administrators are that they need to commit to providing the necessary hardware, software, and staff development to effectively use the Internet in the classroom. Staff development efforts will be most effective if they show teachers how to integrate all of the components of the Internet into their classroom curriculum.