Junior High Teachers' Perceptions of Integrating Classroom Technology Related to the Learning Management System Schoolog

Learning Management Systems (LMS) are software-based platforms that provide the framework and tools needed to create online learning and/or training. Integration of a Learning Management System (LMS) in public education "opens new possibilities for online interaction among teachers, students, and parents" (Blau & Hameiri, 2010, p. 245). Over the last five years, an increasing number of school districts have begun using an LMS. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore the perceptions of rural middle school teachers about integrating classroom technology related to Schoology in their classroom. Understanding how Schoology could save the district from losing instructional hours due to severe weather would be beneficial for all rural districts. The researcher will select eight seventh grade and eight eighth grade teachers at the Southeastern Junior High School for the qualitative case study. The qualitative case study will evaluate teachers' perceptions of Schoology and what factors influence the use of Schoology in their classrooms. The single case study of one rural middle school will help determine the teachers' acceptance of the use of Schoology in the classroom. The research is entirely qualitative, with interviews of teachers using the LMS. The participants will be eight to ten seventh and eight eighth grade teachers, chosen from all the teachers in the middle school who expressed interest in the study.