Initial teacher training students' attitudes to use of information technology and individual locus of control

Abstract

Being in control of a computer has been found to be a significant factor in becoming involved in computer use yet, like all individuals, initial teacher training (ITT) students differ in how much they feel that they are in control. It is proposed that those who have a more internal locus of control (who are more likely to believe that they are in control of events) are more likely to enjoy being put in control of a computer. Thus they are more likely to have a positive attitude to using computers and become more involved in their use. This hypothesis was tested using a questionnaire survey of 153 postgraduate students in teacher training. It is concluded that there is a low but significant correlation between being internally controlled and being more prepared to use a computer. This correlation appears more strongly in those who have had little previous involvement with information technology such as the women in this study. This finding is important for those introducing ITT students to the use of IT so that appropriate software and teaching strategies may be selected.