ERIC Number: EJ814109
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1436-4522
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Perceptions of Instructional Technology: Factors of Influence and Anticipated Consequences
Parker, Robyn E.; Bianchi, Alison; Cheah, Tsui Yi
Educational Technology & Society, v11 n2 p274-293 2008
The use of instructional technologies such as PowerPoint[TM] and WebCT[TM] are nearly ubiquitous in contemporary college classrooms. The literature is rich with ideas about the transformative powers of technology. What is less understood is how users perceive technology and its effects on classroom dynamics such as student attendance and participation as well as student learning. The literature offers neither an empirical nor rhetorical consensus about the efficacy of classroom technology. This study explores perceptions about the effects of two commonly used technologies through surveys of faculty (n = 485) and students (n = 3145) at a large, public university. Results indicate that individual factors such as gender, grade point average, class/faculty rank, and length of tenure influence orientation toward technology. Results indicate student and faculty differ in their perceptions of the impact of technology on student attendance, class discussion, and connections between students. We explore potential reasons for these differences and how they provide clues for improving the usefulness of technology in meeting learning objectives for all students. (Contains 11 tables.)
Descriptors: Influence of Technology, Computer Attitudes, Educational Technology, Attendance, Student Participation, Teacher Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Undergraduate Students, College Faculty, Student Characteristics, Teacher Characteristics, Teacher Student Relationship, Peer Relationship, State Universities
International Forum of Educational Technology & Society. Athabasca University, School of Computing & Information Systems, 1 University Drive, Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3, Canada. Tel: 780-675-6812; Fax: 780-675-6973; Web site: http://www.ifets.info
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ohio
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A