According to the National Center for Education Statistics, even though 97% of classrooms have at least one instructional computer available, only 40% of teachers in public schools (including elementary and secondary) report using computers in the classroom often. My project aims to illustrate the barriers that are keeping K-12 teachers from integrating technology in their classrooms, such as the lack of availability for training, teacher’s lack of knowledge or schooling, or a lack of IT support. It also discusses possible solutions to the problem, such as teacher training and better resources. By assessing the Level of Technology Integration, or LoTi, we can learn how much or how often a teacher is using technology in a classroom. My project consists of conducting a research study that will aim to reinforce the hypothesis that the LoTi in K- 12 schools is lower than expected, considering the availability of computers and technology. By learning the severity of the obstacles teachers face, we can work on possible solutions. The findings of this study were that teachers face barriers that inhibit them from implementing technology no matter what type of school environment they are in. These barriers come from lack of time, access, but most strongly from the self-efficacy of the teachers. Teachers need professional development and training to develop their skills and confidence, which will positively impact students, the school, and the overall education system.

Diplomová práce Distanční vzdělávání žáků se sociálním znevýhodněním Distance education of pupils with the need for support due to different cultural and living conditions Miroslava Haplová ABSTRACT Closing schools and launching distance education in spring of the year 2020 have brought new experience into the Czech educational system and the whole society. This situation has had a great impact especially on the pupils with special needs including those with social disadvantage. The qualitative research together with structured and semi-structured interviews with socially disadvantaged families and educational service workers will, with emphasis on the issue of pupils with social disadvantage, help clarify the input preconditions for distance education with its obstacles, schools' strategies, the role of special tutors and the schools' potential for collaboration with other institutions and participants at the time of distance eduction. The outcomes of this thesis reveal that to find an adequate way to support the pupils with special needs, it is crucial for the schools to know the pupils' family conditions and set up a suitable strategy for their education based on the situation. The aspects of the social disadvantage play even more distinctive role during distance education compared to the common...