Abstract:

Agricultural Science teachers, like their STEM counterparts, have been allowed access to laptops sponsored by the government of Trinidad and Tobago. Agriculture Science has field work plus in-class work and the mobility of laptops can aid student learning. However, it has been observed that AS teachers usage of laptops seem lower than expected. Research studies in the Caribbean have focused on student use especially in higher education settings but less so on teacher barriers. The study specifically looks at Agricultural Science Teachers Usage of the 2018 GP ICT Laptop Initiative according to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and use of Technology, UTAUT, (Venkatesh, 2003) model. A sequential explanatory mixed methods approach was chosen to connect qualitative and quantitative parts. The qualitative data will be used to explain the quantitative attitudinal results related to usage which may vary by teacher age, gender and experience. Four constructs performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influences and facilitating conditions will be investigated relative to behavioural intention and usage behaviour. The survey will focus on agricultural science teachers’ usage in three educational districts- Port of Spain, St. George East and Caroni. The time frame for the study is expected to be one year.

Keywords:

Laptops, usage, mixed methods, agricultural science.