A case study of the English language teachers’ attitudes toward use of information and communication technology (ICT) in Finland

This qualitative study was aimed at investigating foreign language teachers’ attitudes toward use of information and communication technology (ICT) in their instruction. The insight was gained through the reported experience of ICT implementation by teachers, in what way and for which purpose they refer to use of technology, what kind of support and training they are provided with, and what beliefs they express about the influence of ICT implementation. This case study took place in one of the training schools in Finland. Five teachers participated in semi-structured interviews through a face-to-face approach. The findings demonstrated positive attitudes of teachers toward integration of ICT. The teachers shared their opinions about positive influence that ICT implementation has on both teaching and learning processes. However, they also pointed out the negative sides of ICT use: distraction of the students from usage of technology and technical problems causing frustration to the teachers. In addition, the responses revealed that the teachers are provided with adequate training aimed at enhancing their qualification which is provided with well-timed technology support and colleagues’ collaboration facilitating an efficient and smooth pace of the teaching process. According to the teachers’ opinions ICT integration in education appeared to have changed the role of the teacher. Due to different alterations in the field of ICT development teachers are required to upgrade their skills. The paper concludes with the limitations of the study and the recommendations for conducting further research.

A case study of the English language teachers’ attitudes toward use of information and communication technology (ICT) in Finland

This qualitative study was aimed at investigating foreign language teachers’ attitudes toward use of information and communication technology (ICT) in their instruction. The insight was gained through the reported experience of ICT implementation by teachers, in what way and for which purpose they refer to use of technology, what kind of support and training they are provided with, and what beliefs they express about the influence of ICT implementation. This case study took place in one of the training schools in Finland. Five teachers participated in semi-structured interviews through a face-to-face approach. The findings demonstrated positive attitudes of teachers toward integration of ICT. The teachers shared their opinions about positive influence that ICT implementation has on both teaching and learning processes. However, they also pointed out the negative sides of ICT use: distraction of the students from usage of technology and technical problems causing frustration to the teachers. In addition, the responses revealed that the teachers are provided with adequate training aimed at enhancing their qualification which is provided with well-timed technology support and colleagues’ collaboration facilitating an efficient and smooth pace of the teaching process. According to the teachers’ opinions ICT integration in education appeared to have changed the role of the teacher. Due to different alterations in the field of ICT development teachers are required to upgrade their skills. The paper concludes with the limitations of the study and the recommendations for conducting further research.

Business competence and training needs in Finnish companies operating in the Leningrad Region

Tässä pro gradu -työssä tutkitaan Leningradin alueella, Venäjällä, toimivien suomalaisyritysten liiketoimintaosaamisen koulutustarpeita. Tavoitteena on ollut tutkia, millaisia yritysten koulutustarpeet ovat, sekä lisäksi selvittää yleisemmällä tasolla, miten liiketoimintaosaaminen määritellään. Useat tutkimusta varten haastatellut johtajat pitävät liiketoimintaosaamista erityisesti markkinoilla toimimiseen liittyvänä osaamisena. Myös johtaminen, sekä tuotteet ja teknologia nähdään liiketoimintaosaamisen tärkeinä osina. Yrityksillä on koulutustarpeita seuraavilla alueilla: johtaminen; myynti, markkinat ja asiakkaat; yrityksen sisäinen yhteistyö; kielet, sekä juridiikka ja laskentatoimi. Haastateltavien mukaan markkinoiden nopea kehitys sekä yrityksen kasvu luovat yrityksille koulutustarpeita. Yllättäen myös Venäjän koulutusjärjestelmää itsessään pidetään koulutustarpeiden syynä. Tutkimuksessa mukana olleiden yritysten koulutuskäytännöt ovat keskenään melko erilaisia: koulutusbudjetti, koulutuspäivien määrä ja koulutusorganisaation valintakriteerit vaihtelevatyrityksestä riippuen. Joka tapauksessa yleisin koulutusmuoto näyttää olevan yrityksen sisäinen koulutus. Monet haastateltavat painottavat suuresti uusien työntekijöiden kouluttamista. Selvästikin rekrytointi ja uusien työntekijöiden koulutus vievät suuren osan tutkimusta varten haastateltujen johtajien ajasta. Tärkeä huomio koulutusmarkkinoihin liittyen on se, että lyhyiden, kaikille avoimien koulutusten kohdalla markkinat ovat Pietarissa täynnä. Suurimpana uhkana nähdään alalla vallitseva kouluttajapula.