Computers and Teachers

Abstract

This study examined the predictiveness of several personal variables of elementary school teachers to their use of available computers for teaching (N = 170). Teachers from four schools completed questionnaires that assessed for three levels of computer use, innovativeness, teacher locus of control, perceived relevance of computers to teaching, and self-confidence in the use of computers. Additionally, data on age, gender, and years of computer experience were collected. Logistic regression procedures were used to analyze the relationships between teacher characteristics and computer use. About half of the sample of teachers in this study reported not using computers for teaching. Self-competence and innovativeness were most closely related to teachers’ computer use. The results suggest that these variables need to be considered when planning training intervention or differential staffing for reconciling teachers and their computer use.

Keywords:

• computer utilization
• technological change
• teacher training