The Allure and Educational Efficacy of New Technologies in Primary Education: Perspectives from Students, their parents and Teachers in Dzierżoniów County, Poland
The Allure and Educational Efficacy of New Technologies in Primary Education: Perspectives from Students, their parents and Teachers in Dzierżoniów County, Poland

Summary/Abstract: Introduction: The 21st century (mainly due to COVID-19) has witnessed an unprec- edented integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into all facets of life, including education.Aim: The primary aim of this article is to analyse the current state of ICT integration in Polish primary education, identifying the key challenges, opportunities, and factors influencing the effectiveness of technology-enhanced learning.Methods: Dzierżoniowski district of Poland was chosen, and we utilised phone inter- views with 10 teachers (questionnaire and interview) and online questionnaires with 60 students and 60 of parents from two contrasting primary schools (public and non-public). Data collection occurred between 11 - 27 May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on grades 1-3.Results: The analysis reveals that while Poland has made significant strides in inte- grating ICT into primary education, challenges persist in areas such as teacher training, equitable access to technology, and the development of effective digital pedagogies. The results highlight the importance of a holistic approach that considers not only infrastruc- ture and technology but also pedagogical strategies, curriculum development, and ongo- ing professional development for teachers. The study also identifies potential risks asso- ciated with ICT use, such as digital addiction, emphasising the need for comprehensive media literacy education among children. It became clear that use of ICT may benefit in developing key competencies among students.Conclusion: ICT has shown the potential to significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of primary education in Poland. However, realising this potential requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address the identified challenges and leverage the opportunities presented by technology. Respondents show the need for a continued focus on developing teachers’ digital competencies, fostering a culture of innovation in schools, and promoting digital equity to ensure that all students can benefit from the transformative power of ICT.

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