The integration of ICT in educational process in IB education—A comparative case study

Abstract

This study aims to gain a deep understanding of international baccalaureate (IB) primary years programme (PYP) teachers’ perceptions about the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in IB PYP classes. Moreover, it seeks to critically identify the teachers’ barriers and needs in order to integrate ICT into teaching and learning. Following a qualitative comparative case study research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with IB PYP teachers and coordinators in Sweden and Greece. Critical theory, critical pedagogy and critical theory of technology (CTT) were used as the theoretical framework for analysing teachers’ perceptions. From a critical point of view, the study reveals that deskilling of teachers, intensification of teachers’ work, low school’s financial budget, parents’ financial burden, commodification and privatisation of IB education are the fundamental factors that negatively intervene in teachers’ work in both schools and perpetuate the status quo of teaching and learning processes through integration of ICT.

Keywords: International baccalaureate (IB), international and comparative education (ICE), integration of ICT, critical pedagogy, critical theory of technology (CTT).