What are teachers’ attitudes towards embracing digital technologies to enhance high quality learning?

This thesis explores the perceptions and attitudes of Irish primary school teachers towards the use of digital technologies to enhance high-quality learning. As a practicing primary school teacher, I have always been interested in how technology can be leveraged to enrich educational experiences. For the study, I conducted qualitative interviews with eight teachers from various backgrounds and schools across Ireland. Despite diverse teaching contexts, a common theme that emerged from the interviews was a largely positive perception of technology use in education. However, the attitudes towards technology integration varied, reflecting the influence of several internal and external factors. This study not only illuminates the current state of technology integration in Ireland’s primary education but also provides an in-depth analysis of the national and EU policies and guidelines shaping it. The research has identified significant challenges and opportunities in the effective integration of technology and put forth tailored recommendations for policy, practice, and future research. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the role of technology in Irish primary education, this study contributes to the broader discourse on improving teaching and learning quality in the digital age. Its findings aim to stimulate further discussion and action towards optimising the benefits of digital technology in education.N