Maltese Teachers’ Perception of the Use of Digital Resources in the 21st Century Classroom

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62695/VIEF1276

Keywords:

Digital Literacy, Digital Resources, Maltese Education, Primary Teachers, 21st Century Skills

Abstract

This study looks into the use of digital resources amongst state primary teachers teaching the Junior Years (students aged between 7 and 11). It evaluates whether teachers are making use of digital resources, the extent to which they are doing so, and how this is affecting the acquisition of digital literacy skills. The research methodology applied focused on a mixed methods approach. Data were collected from a total of 75 participants, incorporating surveys (n=64) with semi-structured interviews with state primary teachers (n=7) and representatives from the Directorate for Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills (n=4). The results obtained demonstrate that teachers are making use of digital resources. However, they also illustrate that teachers are mainly using them as a substitute for hands-on resources and rarely encourage students to create new digital material. Consequently, students are not being fully equipped with the 21st-century skills needed to become digital citizens.

Author Biography

Tracey Ann Vella Cumbo, Institute for Education

Tracey Ann Vella Cumbo (B.A. Hons Archaeology, Master of Arts in Cultural Heritage Management) has been working in the Educational sector for the past 14 years. She is currently teaching Year 6 at Għaxaq Primary School. She is involved in the school‘s Senior EkoSkola Committee and enjoys taking on new projects that can enhance both her teaching skills and her students’ learning. She also currently forms part of the Erasmus Accreditation Working Group Inclusion and Diversity focusing on Digital Literacy within St. Benedict College. She has just finished a Master’s degree in Primary Education.

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Published

17-11-2022

How to Cite

Vella Cumbo, T. A. (2022). Maltese Teachers’ Perception of the Use of Digital Resources in the 21st Century Classroom. Malta Journal of Education, 3(2), 259–277. https://doi.org/10.62695/VIEF1276

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