HKAECT 2014 International Conference
The Influence of School and Home Cultural Factors on the Educational Use of Information and Communication Technology: A Case Study in Hong Kong
Miaoting Cheng
Division of Information and Technology Studies, Faculty of Education,
The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
e-mail: chengmiaoting@gmail.com
Jae Park
International Education and Lifelong Learning (IELL),
The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong, China
e-mail: jpark@ied.edu.hk
Allan H. K. Yuen
Division of Information and Technology Studies, Faculty of Education,
The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
e-mail: hkyuen@hku.hk
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Abstract
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The influence of school or family on students’ development is widely recognized as essential. Cultural factors which affect students’ use of information and communication technology (ICT) need to be further explored. This research on digital divide analyzed the interview data from principals, teachers, and students from two Hong Kong junior secondary schools. The main findings suggest that cultural divide at school and home can significantly affect the phenomenon of digital divide in education. The cultural factors in school most associated with high ICT usage were the school principals’ culture and values regarding ICT. Parental values, such as demanding but harmonious parent-child relationship, were the most influential home cultural factors. The results of the study suggest that the phenomenon of digital divide could be eased by previously overlooked gaps in school and family culture. Some suggestions and limitations were also provided in the conclusion.
Keywords: Parental culture, School culture, ICT use, Digital divide, Hong Kong
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Bio
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CHENG, Miaoting
Ms Cheng is a research assistant in the Information and Technology Studies in the Faculty of Education, the University of Hong Kong. Her primary research interests are digital literacies, social practices, social media, social network, and digital divide in education. She is rewarded distinction in her master degree and gaining momentum to pursue further study in information and technology in education.
PARK, Jae
Dr. Park is an Assistant Professor of International Education and Lifelong Learning at the Hong Kong Institute of Education. He holds the degree of Doctor of Education from the University of Hong Kong, where he continues as a research associate and a visiting lecturer. His research interests are in sociology and philosophy of education. He recently published in International Studies in Sociology of Education, Comparative Education, and Ethics & Behavior. He serves as the President of the Comparative Education Society of Hong Kong.
YUEN, H.K. Allan
Dr. Yuen is Associate Professor in Information and Technology Studies and Director of the Centre for Information Technology in Education in the Faculty of Education, the University of Hong Kong. His primary research interests focus on technology adoption and change in education, ICT in higher education, pedagogical innovations, social and cultural aspects of ICT use, digital divide in education, and teacher education. He published widely in books, book chapters, journal articles, and conference papers.
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