Administrators and Teachers' Perceptions About the Teacher Information Network (TIN) Platform

Abstract

In this research, it was aimed to determine the opinions of school administrators and teachers about the Teacher Information Network (TIN) platform. The research was designed in the survey model and the descriptive analysis method, one of the qualitative research designs, was used. The study group of the research consists of a total of 44 participants, including 33 teachers and 11 school administrators. A "semi-structured interview form" created by literature review and expert opinion was used as a data collection tool in the research. Administrators and teachers largely expressed their opinions regarding the subjects of TIN training as up-to-date and adequate. However, there are also those who say there are deficiencies and they should be improved. There are very few people who see TIN training as unnecessary.  While nearly half of the administrators and teachers expressed their opinion that the content and competencies of TIN trainings were sufficient, approximately the same percentage stated that it should be improved. Some of the administrators and teachers described the training as very intense in terms of content and very detailed. It is thought that the most important factor in their definition as very intensive is the training related to specialist and head teachers. While it is seen that the TIN training of administrators and teachers contributes greatly to professional development, there are also many people who express the opinion that it does not contribute. The most frequently mentioned problem regarding the problems experienced by administrators and teachers in TIN training is that the content is intense. This was followed by internet problems and technical systemic problems. It has been observed that there are also people who do not experience any problems. It is thought that the content density problem is caused by the abundance of expert and head teacher training content and videos. Recommendations of administrators and teachers regarding the solution of the problems experienced in TIN trainings are mostly that the technical infrastructure should be strengthened and the contents should be at a reasonable level. In addition, suggestions include establishing a more flexible structure, taking teachers' opinions, working with qualified employees, and making the training interactive. Besides, there are those who do not have any suggestions because they have not experienced any problems.