Exploring rural South African science teachers’ self-efficacy in integrating computer simulations in instruction

Abstract

Using computer simulations in science education can facilitate the achievement of several educational objectives, including a thorough grasp of scientific concepts and an understanding of the scientific method. This research aimed to evaluate the extent of rural science educators’ technology integration self-efficacy when using simulations in teaching. The research was guided by Bandura’s (1986) social cognitive theory and focused on four key influencers of self-efficacy in educators: enactive mastery experience, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and affective state. The study’s demographic was all science educators in a rural district, with participants selected through convenience sampling. The survey instrument’s reliability and validity were established through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The outcomes indicated that the science educators possessed a high level of self-efficacy in integrating technology through simulations, with no notable differences based on gender or education level. There was a statistically significant effect of teaching experience and school socioeconomic factors on the educators’ technology integration self-efficacy.