Assessing students' attitude towards computer technology

Abstract

Recent advances, especially in computer technology, have heralded the development and implementation of new and innovative teaching strategies. Exposing learners to computer technology may influence their behavior and hence attitude towards learning. The purpose of this study was to assess students' attitude towards computer technology in a history class. Specifically, the study assessed differences in attitude change towards both computer technologies for students using web-based resources and those using traditional textbooks, and whether the level of computer literacy was a predictor of attitude towards computer technology. Thirty eight students from Bridgewater State College, 70 from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and 54 from Clemson University formed the sample for the study selected from already existing classrooms instructed using web-based learning resources. A pre-test-post-test; non-equivalent control group design was used. The treatment group was instructed using Web-based electronic textbook, while the control group was instructed utilizing traditional textbook. A Likert- type scale was developed to measure the attitude towards computer technology and attitude towards the history class. ANOVA was used to assess differences in attitude change. Alpha was set at 0. 05. Results of the study indicate that students from both groups had good attitude towards computer technology with web based group posting mean of 3.55 and traditional group 3.47 on a 5 point scale. There was a positive significant relationship between computer literacy and attitude towards computer technology significance level of 0.016. The results from this study should help educators in curriculum planning appreciate the importance of computer literacy skills for fresher's as well as continuing students.