ISSN 3062-262X

TEACHERS' VIEWS ON CYBERLOAFING BEHAVIORS IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS

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Abdullah Talha ALTUN, Tuba AYDIN GÜNGÖR

Abstract

The widespread adoption of digital technologies in educational settings has led to significant changes in the online behavior of teachers and prospective teachers; this has necessitated a re-examination of the concept of cyberloafing, which specifically refers to non-task-related online activities, within the context of education. The literature indicates that cyberloafing is not merely an individual preference but is related to multidimensional variables such as workload, organizational culture, management practices, motivation, cognitive processes, and time management skills. Studies on school administrators reveal that cyberloafing can have effects on management processes and organizational efficiency, while research on prospective teachers emphasizes that continuous access to digital tools increases attention management difficulties in young adults. Findings regarding teachers show that professional motivation, workload, and digital policy implementations shape perceptions of cyberloafing; research on education faculty students reveals that even psychosocial variables such as organizational satisfaction can influence these behaviors. Overall, the findings indicate that it is not possible to completely eliminate cyberloafing in educational organizations, but it can be controlled through digital awareness, self-regulation skills, and supportive organizational policies. In this context, it is recommended that digital attention management training for teachers and teacher candidates be developed, along with clear and implementable digital use policies. This study deeply examines teachers' views on virtual procrastination behaviors in the teaching and learning process. In this context, the research was designed using a phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher, consisting of 10 questions. The sample of the study group consisted of 25 teachers and school administrators working in Oltu district of Erzurum province, selected using convenience sampling. The main findings of the study indicate that, in terms of overall level, teachers' virtual procrastination behaviors are generally low; however, "trivial" activities such as checking email and following the news are more common. Regarding demographic differences, it was found that those working in secondary/middle school showed a greater tendency towards virtual procrastination. In terms of administrative seniority, younger administrators with 1-5 years of experience were found to be more active in virtual procrastination activities compared to experienced administrators (21+ years). In terms of triggering factors, the teacher's monotonous teaching style and lack of preparation were the primary pedagogical reasons triggering virtual procrastination in students. Functionally, the behaviors were generally observed to be short breaks aimed at mental relaxation and refocusing attention, rather than a complete detachment from work.

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