Study of Effects of ICT on Professional Development of Teachers at University Level

Abstract

Information and communication technology (ICT) has brought revolutionary changes to enhance professional development of teachers. At present several ICT related instructional devices like computers, smart phones, laptops, tablets, LCD, multimedia and projectors are used in classrooms for making more attractive and productive teaching and learning process. The objectives of the study were to explore perceptions of teachers regarding use of information communication technology and to find out the effects of ICT for improving teachers’ professional development at university level. The study was descriptive type survey in nature. Simple random sampling technique was adopted for sample selection. All public and private educational institutions providing higher education of central Punjab were the population of the study. The sample of the study comprised of 90 faculty members, 120 students and 12 heads of different departments were selected on random basis. A self-developed questionnaire for faculty members, students and structured interview schedule for heads of departments were administered for collection of desired information. Data analysis was carried out by using percentage, mean score and standard deviation. The results of the study revealed that ICT has positive effects on enhancing professional development of teachers. It was found that university teachers were facing many difficulties in preparing their lectures with technological innovations and utilization of ICT in classrooms. The study recommended that ICT related refresher courses may be organized to improve professional development of academician.