Exploring School Teacher ICT Competency, Awareness, and Challenges in using Technology in the Classroom Teaching and Learning: Consequences for Pedagogical Alignment and Policy Frameworks

Abstract

The present study explores the use of information and communication technology (ICT)
skills, awareness, and difficulty faced by school teachers in using ICT for classroom
teaching and learning. The objective of the research is to find the current levels of ICT
competency among school teachers, to examine the benefits and challenges of using
ICT in teaching practices, and to determine the ICT-related training requirements for
educators. We self-administered the questionnaire in printed copies to 85 in-service
school teachers in the Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya. Findings show that teachers
never use ICT applications for teaching. Another finding indicated that the majority of
teachers claimed to be unaware of the Ministry of Education’s digital education initiatives.
Overall research findings demonstrate teachers strongly agree on the benefits and
challenges of incorporating ICT into teaching practices. Furthermore, school teachers
expressed a desire to receive ICT-related training in the future, pedagogical alignment,
and policy frameworks to address identified challenges effectively. In conclusion, this
study highlights the significance of appreciating the advantages as well as the difficulties
of incorporating ICT into instructional strategies.