An investigation into the barriers associated with ICT use in the Youthreach classroom.

ICT has impacted, to some degree, on almost every facet of our lives. Children today grow up with an array of technology, both at home and at school. Educators and governments have devoted huge resources to the provision of technology in the learning environment. Schools IT2000 was launched in Ireland in 1997 with a state investment of £40 million. It committed the Irish government to equip and support our schools with the most modern ICT equipment. A further €252 million was allocated in 2007 and an additional €150 million in November 2009. However, this investment related to the mainstream sector only. The integration of educational technology depends to a significant extent, on the effectiveness and commitment of teachers. This research study investigates, analyses and interprets data, to delineate the factors that prevent teachers’ use of educational technology, at a Youthreach Centre in the North West of Ireland. The main aim of this study was to investigate the barriers that prevent the integration of ICT in a Youthreach Centre. Youthreach is an inter-Departmental initiative for young people who have left school early. Against a background of falling prices, increasing computing power, increased network capability and the almost limitless potential of the Internet, the full integration of ICT in Youthreach Centres remains stubbornly lacking and appears to be some distance away, when compared to the mainstream second level sector. This case study was conducted in late 2009 and early 2010. Qualitative and quantitative data were obtained from Youthreach teachers and collected by means of questionnaires, interviews, training and observation. Questionnaires were distributed to all teachers in the Youthreach Centre. Interviews were conducted with a number of Youthreach teachers and observation was carried out to obtain further data. The findings indicate that particular factors such as lack of time, lack of training, lack of confidence, extent of ICT experience and access to resources all affect teacher perceptions and use of ICT in this Youthreach Centre.