Transcript Technology in the Academe: Teacher Attitudes and Strategies in Managing Computer Resistance By Ma.

Technology in the Academe:
Teacher Attitudes and Strategies in
Managing Computer Resistance
By
Ma. Regina Hechanova
Ma. Regina Estuar
Elizabeth Grozman
Arlene Ticzon
Where is computer being used in the academe?
Computers are
used for
Example
Admin Purposes
Computerization of
Student
Information
System
As a subject matter Computer
Electives
As an aid in
instruction
CAIs, Simulations
Reasons
Faster access to
information
Mandatory;
Knowledge
Workers
Adjust to new
learning styles;
Pedagogical
benefits.
What efforts have been done to
promote technology use?
• Government contributions
– Modernization Program by DECS (1996)
– Center for Education and Technology
• Private sector contributions
–
–
–
–
Establishment of IT educator groups
Donations for laboratories
Training for public school teachers
Providing ICT infrastructure and internet access to
schools
Research in ICT use
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•
•
•
Effectiveness of use of ICT in the classroom
Accessibility Issues
Technology Adoption
Technology Management
Variables in this study
RESISTANCE/
ACCEPTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY
Technophobia
Attitudes
Management of
Resistance
TECHNOLOGY
ADOPTION
Previous Works
• Technophobia
– (Jay, 1981)
• Individual’s resistance to talking about or even
thinking about computers
• Fear or anxiety about computers
• Hostile or aggressive thoughts about computers
– (Weil, Rosen, & Sears, 1987)
• Feelings, thoughts and beliefs about present or
future interaction with computers/computer related
technology
Previous Works
• Manifestations of technophobia
–
–
–
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Anxiety in using computer technology
Negative attitudes about computers
Negative cognitions
Critical self dialogues when interacting with or
contemplating future interaction with computer
• Technophobe
– Severe reactions on all dimensions or mild discomfort
on a single dimension
Technology Adoption Study
• Positive Effects
– Facilitated student learning
– Greater discussion and sharing
– Increased quality of output of student
• “Negative” Effects
– Teaching became a more expensive endeavor
– Content is sacrificed for communication
How IT Use is Managed?
• What strategies have organizations used to
manage computer resistance?
– Time, Expertise, Access, Resources, Support
(Leggett & Persichitte, 1998)
– Technology and Change in Organizations
(Hechanova & Dioquino, 2003)
Components of the Study
• Component 1 – Measured technophobia (Weil &
Rosen’s Scale)
• Component 2 - Measured attitude towards a
specific technology : online learning and teaching
(Estuar’s Attitude Scale)
• Component 3- Survey of how IT is managed in
schools
– Do you experience resistance? Why?
– What strategies did you employ to manage resistance
Results of Technophobia Study
• Incidence of technophobia
– In terms of anxiety, 1 out of 4 teachers reported high
– More on feelings (affect) rather than thoughts
(cognition)
• Factors influencing level of technophobia
– Type of School
• Public school teachers more technophobic than private schools
– Age
• Older teachers are more technophobic than younger teachers
Results of Attitude Study
• Positive Attitudes
– Presence of technology
• Accessible
• Available
– Functionality of
technology
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•
•
•
Interactive
Beneficial
Innovative
Efficient
• Negative Attitudes
– Cost
• expensive
– Perceived difficulty
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•
•
•
Time consuming
Tedious
Confusing, Difficult
Frustrating
– Distrust
• Unreliable
• Intimidating
Gender Difference: Female teachers view online teaching as
important but more tedious.
Sources of Resistance
• Lack of Skill
• Fear of technology
• Difficulty in using
computers
• Resistance to change
• Lack of exposure
• Lack of awareness for
value, fear of downsizing,
no need for computers
• Difference
– Public school teachers
have greater fear of
technology than private
school teachers
Strategies in Managing
Resistance
• Providing computer
training programs
• Information dissemination
• Ensuring user-friendly
computer
• Identifying computer use
as a key-strategy
• Requiring computer skills
• Providing user support
• Difference
– A greater number of
private schools require
computer skills in
hiring as compared to
those in the public
schools
Discussion
• Technophobia
– is real in the academe
– is manifested in terms of anxiety rather than
cognition
– is correlated with age
• Attitudes
– Positive attitudes focus on cognitive aspects
– Negative attitudes focus on affect
Discussion
• Differences in Public Schools and Private
Schools
– Incidence of technophobia
– Fear of technology
– Computer Skills in Hiring
Conclusion
• Resistance stems from both individual and
organizational issues
• Need for a systems approach in ensuring
computer adoption in institutions
Conclusion
• Individual Level
– Need to measure
attitudes and direct
strategies towards
creating a more
positive environment
for technology use
– Profile of users and
non-users
• Organizational
Approach
–
–
–
–
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Human Process
Leadership
Techno-Structural
Skill Building
Resources