ERIC Number: EJ768868
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 24
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1539-1523
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Using Rogers' Theory to Interpret Instructional Computer Use by COE Faculty
Sahin, Ismail; Thompson, Ann
Journal of Research on Technology in Education, v39 n1 p81-104 Fall 2006
The purpose of this research study was to develop a theory-based methodology for exploring instructional computer use by faculty members in one College of Education (COE) and implementing this methodology at an Anatolian university in Turkey. Rogers' (2003) Diffusion of Innovations theory was used as the theoretical framework in the process of instrument development, data collection, and in the interpretation of the results. The faculty members in the study reported low levels of use and expertise in instructional computer technologies. Variables significantly correlated with faculty members' level of computer use were computer expertise, computer access, barriers to computer access, attitude toward computer use, support for computer use, and adopter categories based on innovativeness. The importance of administrative support and the need for faculty development were two major findings from this study. The results from the qualitative data provided information on addressing barriers to faculty computer use and confirmed the characteristics of Rogers' adopter categories. Findings interpreted through Rogers' theory suggest that an action plan should take advantage of faculty members' positive computer attitudes and collegial communication to help them move to the higher levels of use and expertise in instructional technologies. Methodology used in this study provides a model for other colleges of education worldwide to obtain information about the needs of their faculty members. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Methods, Faculty Development, Educational Technology, Schools of Education, Computer Attitudes, Access to Computers, Computer Uses in Education, Models, Data Collection, Data Interpretation, Teacher Education Programs, Preservice Teachers, Questionnaires
International Society for Technology in Education. 480 Charnelton Street, Eugene, OR 97401-2626. Tel: 800-336-5191; Tel: 541-302-3777; Fax: 541-302-3778; e-mail: iste@iste.org; Web site: http://www.iste.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Turkey
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A