The factors affecting the use and integration of information communications technology in an Irish adult education and training centre: a case study approach.

ICT use in the classroom is very important to provide the opportunities for adult students to learn in this information communications technology (ICT) age. Studying the barriers to the use of ICT in education may assist teachers to overcome these barriers and have successful integration of ICT in the future. The purpose of this case study was to examine the factors affecting the use and integration of ICT in an Irish Adult Education and Training Centre (AETC). This study investigates the role of ICT in two Adult Education Programmes, the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) and the Youthreach Programme within an AETC in the South West of Ireland. Both qualitative and quantitative research methodology was utilised in this study. The qualitative research data consisted of seven in-depth interviews with staff and students in the Adult Education and Training Centre. The quantitative research data was gathered with the aid of a questionnaire and class observations. Forty eight questionnaires were completed by staff and students in the Adult Education and Training Centre and five classes were observed. The results of the Case study show the major issues for the VTOS Programme are availability of ICT and the fact that they have no interactive whiteboards available to them. In the Youthreach Programme even though they have full ICT equipment available to them in all their classrooms they do not have full ICT integration. All AETC teachers should attend some kind of professional development training. The author suggests that if these can be addressed this AETC will continue to offer an excellent ICT experience to its adult learners.