Characteristics of using digital media as predictors of constructivist teaching in lower secondary education in Croatia
Tomislav Topolovčan and Milan Matijević
Faculty of teacher education University of Zagreb, Savska c. 77, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract
The aim of this research was to investigate whether particular socio-demographic characteristics of pupils in lower secondary education, their level of computer self-efficacy and motivation for using digital media in class are considered significant predictors of constructivist learning. Furthermore, the aim was to investigate the characteristics of possession of particular digital media, computer self-efficacy, motivation for using digital media and constructivist learning among pupils in lower secondary education in Croatia. The research was conducted on a sample of eighth grade compulsory school pupils (N = 235). The results show that certain socio-demographic features are either not significant or are significant to a small extent in constructivist learning. The level of computer self-efficacy was a somewhat more significant predictor, especially in terms of the use of computer software and the internet. The most significant predictors are attitudes towards the use of digital media in classroom instruction and the benefits thereof for pupils, especially in the sense of the expectation of better learning outcomes. The results and the implications of the results are discussed in this paper.
Keywords: digital media in classroom instruction, innovative learning, constructivist learning, compulsory education, computer self-efficacy, attitudes towards the media