The Use of Tablet PC and Interactive Board from the Perspectives of Teachers and Students: Evaluation of the FATIH Project

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the early implementation results of the "Movement of Enhancing Opportunities and Improving Technology", abbreviated as FATIH project from the perspectives of participating teachers and students. Specifically, to investigate (a) whether or not Interactive Boards (IB) and Tablet Computers distributed to teachers and students in the pilot schools were used, (b) the effectiveness of those technologies in teaching and learning, and (c) the problems and issues emerged with regard to use of IB and Tablet computers. To accomplish these goals, 11 schools from 4 different cities were selected. Different data collection instruments (teacher and student questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, in-class observations, and focus groups) were used. The collected data were analyzed using the techniques and procedures of mixed method approach. The results revealed that although there is a promising use of IB, there is limited, in some cases no, use of Tablet computers. Both teachers and students were in favor of IBs, but were also skeptical about Tablet computers. In addition to technical problems, some pedagogical and professional development issues were found to be important results.