Information technology in practice a study conducted in the business education sectors of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear

Abstract

This research is concerned with the impact and influence of information technology on the curriculum of Business Studies courses in Sunderland. Fifteen educational establishments from the tertiary, secondary and private training agency sectors participated in the research. Data was collected in the form of questionnaires completed by Tutors and Learners, interviews with Tutors and observation of classroom practice. No evidence was found of any communication link between educational institutions within the same educational sector, or between the tertiary, secondary and private sectors, to rationalise software, collaborate on resource provision or develop progression levels between sectors in Information Technology in the Business Studies Curriculum. Utilisation of information technology in the business studies curriculum was found to have a positive affect on extending the attention span, increasing the interest and heightening the motivation of learners generally. These factors are all the more evident when learners are using software which has colour, movement and graphics. Generally learners in a practical IT learning situation help each other in problem solving situations. There was no evidence of learners being absorbed in interaction with computers only. Learners from the secondary sector particularly enjoy IT and the suggestion is made that they perceive IT more for leisure purposes than business applications. The role of the Tutor has not moved towards that of Facilitator or Manager as a result of the impact of Information Technology and little evidence was found of true integration of Information Technology into the Business Studies Curriculum. Certain recommendations are made.