Do School Levels Matter? How Elementary, Middle, and High School Teachers Differ in Their Perceptions and Use of Technology

Abstract

This study used the Technology Use and Perceptions Survey to explore whether there are differences reported by teachers (N = 1,287) from elementary, middle, and high schools from a single school district. A two-step data analysis process using multivariate analysis of variance and item-by-item analysis of variance was employed. We used our analyses to generate profiles for elementary, middle, and high school teachers and draw comparisons across these profiles in our discussion. In particular, high school teachers reported the lowest perception of technology’s value and the most infrequent use of technology integration strategies even though they reported their students used technology more frequently. Elementary teachers reported the most frequent use of technology integration strategies and the lowest satisfaction with the access and support they receive. This study supports the need for more research to adequately explore the role of school levels as these differences could provide important insights.