Digitalisation of Schools from the Perspective of Teachers’ Opinions and Experiences: The Frequency of ICT Use in Education, Attitudes towards New Media, and Support from Management

Abstract

The digitalisation of education has become an irreversible process, and Poland is no exception. However, the issue of ICT usage in education raises many concerns and controversies, posing numerous methodological challenges at the same time. In the interpretation of our research, one of the most frequently used and validated models in empirical research—the Unified Theory of Technology Acceptance and Use (UTAUT) model—was used. The aim of the research was to show the frequency of use of popular hardware, software and websites among teachers from Poland (in the Silesia Province) and finding answers to the questions pertaining to the main determinants of digital teaching aids. The frequency of ICT use in education was juxtaposed with the attitudes towards new media in the school environment as well as with the support of managers in that area. Quantitative research was conducted on a sample of N = 258 in 2020. A questionnaire in the form of a digital diagnostic survey was used to collect data. Based on the data collected, it was noted that: (1) Teachers use virtual systems (eRegisters) and interactive whiteboards most often, while educational podcasts and software for learning foreign languages are used least often; (2) approximately 40% of teachers use ICT often or very often in their school teaching; (3) in public schools, digital teaching aids are used slightly more often than in non-public institutions; (4) teachers are consistent in their use of digital teaching aids, so the individuals experimenting with and implementing ICT at school do so regardless of the type of software and hardware; (5) active support from school head teachers strengthens the frequency of ICT use in education; and (6) in schools where the use of smartphones by students is prohibited, the frequency of ICT use in education is at a lower level.