Classroom Teachers' Competencies in Using Web 2.0 Tools: Predictive Roles of Individual Innovative Characteristics and Socio-demographic Variables

Abstract

This study aims to examine the level of competence in using Web 2.0 tools and individual innovativeness of classroom teachers and to determine the relationship between these variables. The sample of this relational survey-type study consisted of 309 classroom teachers working in two districts of Şırnak province in the 2023-24 academic year. Individual Innovation Scale and Web 2.0 Tools Usage Competence Scale were used as data collection instruments. In the data analysis, classroom teachers' Web 2.0 Tools Usage Competence and Individual innovativeness levels were examined using descriptive statistics, also the total Web 2.0 Tools Usage Competence scores were modeled in a linear regression equation. The study revealed that both the classroom teachers' competency levels in using Web 2.0 tools and their individual innovativeness levels were at a moderate level. While male teachers had a higher average in terms of competence in using Web 2.0 tools, female teachers had a higher average in terms of individual innovativeness levels. Another noteworthy finding is that both of the average scores of the competency levels in using Web 2.0 tools and individual innovativeness levels for teachers with postgraduate education were higher than all other categories. As a result of the regression analysis, it was concluded that individual innovativeness was not a significant predictor affecting the Web 2.0 tools usage competence score. However, having postgraduate education, teaching 4th grade, and receiving in-service training were significant predictors that positively affected the Web 2.0 tools usage competence. Some suggestions were made in the context of the findings.