Student-Instructor Perception of Computer Technologies in Developing Countries: The Case of Jordan

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze students' and instructors' perceptions about computer technologies in developing countries. Using Jordan as a case study, this paper examined computer usage, computer literacy, attitude toward computer technologies, and perceptions about computers and productivity. A questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of students and instructors at three universities in Jordan during the spring of 2002. Results showed that approximately one-third of students and two-thirds of instructors had computers at home, used computers mostly for word processing, had a mixed attitude toward computer technologies, felt confident about their ability to learn about these technologies, and agreed that technology increased their productivity. While students reported using the Internet primarily for communication (such as e-mails), instructors utilized the Internet for research activities. Students were more likely to avoid using computer technologies than instructors. In this study, males were twice more likely than females to feel comfortable while learning about computer technologies. Individuals with high income were more likely to have a positive attitude toward computer technologies than people with low income. Individuals who had computers and access to the Internet from home were more likely to believe that having computers and access to the Internet would make them more productive.