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Current Situation of Educational Utilizations of Computer Networks in
Korea
Sook-Hi Kang
Center for Educational Multimedia R & D
Korean Educational Development Institute
In the present "Information Age" which requires a fundamental change in educational environments,
there has been a growing need for the use of computer networks to enhance the quality and effectiveness of
teaching and learning in school and the efficiency of school administration. In considering that most countries
in the world today seek to promote their international competitiveness through education, the utilization of the
current information and communication technology for educational purposes now emerges as the most pressing
task in Korea.
In this context, this study was initiated as part of the Korean-led APEC educational project which
focuses on the utilization of computer networks for education. More specifically, this study was conducted as a
pilot study of the APEC project which aimed at investigating the current status of the use of computer networks
in teaching and learning, school administration, teacher training, etc. in Korea. The main purpose of this study
was to establish basic information and data concerning the current status of the utilization of computer
networks in schools in Korea. For this purpose, three different types of questionnaires were developed, each for
teachers, students, and computer teachers.
The areas of survey for teachers included computer network experience, teacher training, efficiency of
communication through computer networks, future plan for using computer networks for instructional
purposes, and obstacles to the utilization of computer networks. For students, the survey was about computer
network experience, utilization of computer networks for learning, and future plan. The areas of survey for
computer teachers included the situation of computer network equipment/facilities in school, teacher training,
utilization of computer networks in school, effectiveness of the use of computer networks, outside
projects/policies for computer network utilization, side-effects of the use of computer networks, management,
obstacles to the use of computer networks, and outside support.
For this study, twenty-two schools using computer networks were selected on a random basis. Among
them, there were 14 elementary schools, 2 junior high schools and 6 high schools. For each school, it was
encouraged that one teacher for each different subject, 20 students per grade level, and one computer teacher
would participate in the survey. The surveys were conducted and the results were analyzed. For each school, a
face-to-face interview with the computer teacher was also held.
The results of the survey indicated that currently the utilization of computer networks in Korean
schools is still at a very infant stage. Not many teachers have used computer networks, especially for
instructional purposes. Although it was found that there were many factors contributing to the low utilization
of networks in school, several of them can be pointed out. For one thing, schools are not sufficiently equipped
with needed hardware and software. For another, there are very few examples of the good use of computer
mediated communication which teachers can follow. That is, teachers do not have knowledge about how to
apply the available technology to teaching-learning activities. Some other barriers to teachers' low use of
networks included not enough institutional, organizational, and curricular support, low level of computer
network connection, lack of modems and exclusive communication lines, lack of teachers' technical ability to
use computer networks, and so forth. However, most teachers expressed that they have a positive attitude about
the computer mediated communication and have a plan to use it more often especially for instructional
purposes.
The survey also showed that students use computer networks more at home than in school. One
probable cause seemed that because computers are mostly located in the lab not in classrooms, they were not
easily accessible especially for students. Some other barriers to the students' low use included lack of facilities
and equipment and lack of time to use computer because of their busy study schedule. However, students
expressed that computer networks can be helpful and effective for their study and may build their information
technology capability and close relationship with teachers.
It is hoped that the results of this study be used as a resource material for promoting the use of
computer networks in schools by providing school teachers and administrators with various information on
how to utilize the networks for instruction and administration. It is also expected that this project will provide