JultikaUniversity of Oulu repository

Abstract

There has been a significant amount of research on teachers’ technology integration, and technology has influenced teaching. However, little research has been conducted particularly to investigate the relationship between teachers’ attitudes on technology integration in physical education in the K-12 context. This study is conducted with a sample of 221 Finnish physical education (PE) teachers to empirically investigate their attitudes and perceptions toward technology integration in the context of Finland. Further, the current study analyzed the relationships between attitude and practical technology use in PE. Lastly, this research explores the obstacles contributing to technology integration and the technology use variation between genders.

Independent sample t-test, correlation analysis, and stepwise regression were performed in this study. The correlation analysis yielded a positive relationship between the four factors of attitude and the five factors of technology use. According to the results from regression analysis, perception of importance/relevance and technology proficiency significantly and positively predict using internet-related tools and general computer/mobile software. Additionally, the perception of importance/relevance and contextual factors are important indicators predicting the use of general computer hardware. Specifically, the use of PE special computer/mobile software and PE-specific hardware are affected by technology proficiency, teaching style, and perception of importance/relevance. This study also found several obstacles to technology integration in PE: lack of training, administrative support, collegial support, and internet down/unavailable restricting the use of technology in PE instruction. Finally, significant differences were observed between male and female PE teachers in terms of their attitudes toward technology integration. The findings of this research provide administrators and policymakers with significant insights related to the use of technology by Finnish PE teachers in their teaching practices.