TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION AND BELIEFS ABOUT TEACHING IN THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF TEACHING CAREER

Studies show that teachers are using computers for the following three main reasons: as an information tool, in order to plan their lessons; as a presentation tool, in order to facilitate the teaching process; and as a learning tool, in order to provide learning opportunities for the students (Tondeur, Hermans, Braak & Valcke, 2008). Despite the fact that the new generation of teachers have better computer skills, studies show a lower rate of technology integration compared to experienced teachers (Wetzel, Zambo & Ryan, 2007)
The aim of the article is to identify factors that relate to technology integration at beginning school teachers in Romania. We relied on teacher beliefs regarding teaching, students learning, computer proficiency, and computer self-efficacy, in order to explain the rationale behind integrating technology into classroom. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaire from 164 beginning teachers.
Results show that beginning teachers focus on using the computer as an information tool in order to plan their lessons more that as a learning tool for the students. The motivation for this decision relies more on lack of time than on lack of computer appropriate training.