Teachers’ Use of Educational Technology and Web Adventures: Innovative Interactive Digital Media for Learning Science
Abstract: Technology is a fundamental tool for teaching and learning science. It is a key enabler of continuous, lifelong learning, serving as a gateway to directly accessing knowledge and fostering learning. This paper presents what education technology tools STEM teachers often utilize in their classrooms in general and how they utilize Web Adventures—innovative interactive digital media to inspire and educate middle and high school students in STEM. More than 300 teachers responded to a survey about their technology use in general and Web Adventures use, in particular, in their instruction. Teachers reported high use of learning management systems, educational videos, and online games. Less or rare use of programming languages and interactive devices were reported. Teachers also provided their perceptions on the helpful gamification features for digital educational games. Teachers perceived Web Adventures games effective and useful and found their online or printable instructional materials as of high quality. This input from the field has implications for developers of education technology, school administrators and other stakeholders for appropriate selection of technologies and to develop effective online games to teach STEM subjects effectively.