COMPUTER USE IN MATHEMATICS TEACHING - OVERVIEW OF THE SITUATION IN SERBIA / UPORABA RAČUNALA U POUČAVANJU MATEMATIKE – PREGLED STANJA U SRBIJI

Abstract

ABSTRACT

In this study we analyse the quantity and the quality of the use of computers in mathematics teaching in schools (both primary and secondary) in Serbia, observing two samples. The data for the first research was obtained through a sample consisting of 142 experienced teachers. By conducting a survey we determined the current situation regarding personal and school use of computers, and also examined whether or not computer usage was affected by some non-attitudinal (e.g., demographic) and attitudinal variables. The second research included 123 beginner teachers, applicants for the professional state teacher license. The collected data was based on our estimates of the applicants’ preparation for the practical part of the licensing examination. We examined the impact of some demographic and academic factors on the quality of computer usage. In both researches, the data collected was coded and analysed using the SPSS 13.0 statistical program (cross tabulation and appropriate tests for comparing groups). The aims of our researches were to determine the current situation and give some possible suggestions for improving computer use.
Key words: beginner teachers, experienced teachers, quality of the computer use, quantity of computer use

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SAŽETAK

U ovom radu analiziramo kvantitetu i kvalitetu uporabe računala u poučavanju matematike u Srbiji (u osnovnim i srednjim školama) promatrajući dva uzorka. Podaci za prvo istraživanje prikupljeni su na uzorku od 142 iskusna nastavnika (sa profesionalnom licencom). Provedbom istraživanja ustanovili smo trenutnu situaciju s obzirom na privatnu uporabu računala i uporabu računala u školi, kao i utječu li na uporabu računala i neke objektivne (npr. demografija) i subjektivne varijable. Drugo istraživanje je provedeno na uzorku od 123 nastavnička pripravnika (bez profesionalne licence). Prikupljeni podaci su temeljeni na našim procjenama o pripravi praktičnog dijela stručnog ispita pripravnika. Istražili smo utjecaj nekih demografskih i akademskih čimbenika na kakvoću uporabe računala. U oba istraživanja, podaci su obrađeni uporabom statističkog programa SPSS 13.0 (unakrsno tabeliranje i odgovarajući testovi za uspoređivanje skupina). Cilj istraživanja je bio utvrditi trenutnu situaciju i predložiti moguća poboljšanja uporabe računala.
Ključne riječi: nastavnik pripravnik, iskusni nastavnik, kakvoća uporabe računala, kvantiteta uporabe računala