Information Needs, Search Behaviours, and Use of Elementary School Teachers on the Internet

Abstract

This paper discusses Internet-related information behaviours of elementary school teachers in Taiwan, investigating their information needs, seeking behaviors, and use within an educational context. This study places an emphasis on investigating both work and non-work related use of Internet information by elementary school teachers. Research participants responded to a questionnaire on their internet search behaviours. In-depth interviews of 30 respondents were then performed. Results show that the boundary between work and non-work related use of the Internet is blurring. Participating elementary school teachers in Taiwan use the Internet for many tasks, and there are several technical and personal barriers to overcome before the technology can be fully utilized in the daily activities of educators.