ATTITUDES OF SCIENCE TEACHERS TOWARDS CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS OF USING E-LEARNING AS A LEARNING TOOL

Abstract

This study aims to identify the attitudes of science teachers in relation to the challenges and benefits of using e-learning as a means of acquiring knowledge. The survey was conducted in May and June 2023. The sample included teachers of chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics from Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia (N=117). A questionnaire containing general questions and respondents' attitudes towards the advantages and obstacles of using e-learning was used for this study. Respondents primarily exhibit a positive outlook on e-learning, regardless of gender, age, the subject they teach or the institution where they teach. Male teachers gave a slightly greater advantage to the use of computers for lesson preparation compared to female teachers, while older teachers were less confident about using computers compared to younger colleagues. Chemistry and biology teachers favoured the use of computers in preparing lesson material in contrast to their colleagues who teach mathematics and physics. This research has also shown that primary school teachers find e-learning challenging. In fact, this research has revealed that respondents generally believe that e-learning offers numerous benefits compared to traditional teaching methods, but they also believe that there are certain challenges that could be overcome with additional training in the use of computer technologies. In conclusion, a positive attitude towards e-learning prevails regardless of gender, age, the subject they teach or the institution where they teach.