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 ExampleReasons Admin PurposesComputerization of Student Information System Faster access to information As a subject matterComputer Electives Mandatory; Knowledge Workers As an aid in instruction CAIs, SimulationsAdjust 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 Effectiveness of use of ICT in the classroom Accessibility Issues Technology Adoption Technology Management

Variables in this study TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION RESISTANCE/ ACCEPTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY Technophobia Attitudes Management of Resistance

Previous Works Technophobia –(Jay, 1981) Individuals 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 –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 & Rosens Scale) Component 2 - Measured attitude towards a specific technology : online learning and teaching (Estuars 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 Interactive Beneficial Innovative Efficient Negative Attitudes –Cost expensive –Perceived difficulty 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 –Human Process –Leadership –Techno-Structural –Skill Building –Resources