2. Review of the Literature
Over the past decade technology has been used in a variety of ways and for an array of purposes. As new
technologies have emerged they have often times replaced or have been used concurrently with earlier
technologies, thus dramatically changing the nature of the way the technology has been used in the classrooms. It
is important to note that not all of computer usage in schools during the decade is focused on teaching of basic
computer skills, those educators who envisioned a more student centered curriculum and learning environment
did attempt to employ computers in different ways among subjects other than the computer subject.
In 1992, the International Association for Evaluation of Educational Attainment (IEA) survey, Computers in
American Schools (Becker, 1994), indicated that almost half of middle/junior high and high school mathematics,
language, and science teachers and about 70% of elementary teachers in these areas used computers “at least
several times during the year”. However, “several times” a year seemed to indicate a failure by teachers to fully
infuse computer-based technology into the classroom. Similarly, Drury (1995), in his attempt to implement
Information Technology (IT) in schools in Ontario, found that Canadian ministry officials estimated that only 20
percent of the teaching cohort were at least “moderately committed computer users” and even this 20 per cent
might not be in favor of a dilution of the traditional curriculum model - “software integrates the curriculum. It
can work against a subject approach”.