Abstract
This research explores the educators’ attitudes and perceptions about their utilisation of digital learning technologies. The methodology integrates measures from ‘the pace of technological innovativeness’ and the ‘technology acceptance model’ to understand the rationale for further ICT investment in compulsory education. A quantitative study was carried out amongst 241 educators in Malta. It has investigated the costs and benefits of using digital learning resources in schools from the educators’ perspective. A principal component analysis has indicated that the educators were committed to using digital technologies. In addition, a stepwise regression analysis has shown that the younger teachers were increasingly engaging in digital learning resources. Following this study’s empirical findings educational stakeholders are better informed about how innovative technologies can support our students. In conclusion, this contribution puts forward key implications and recommendations for regulatory authorities and policy makers for better curricula and educational outcomes.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bagozzi, R. P., & Yi, Y. (1988). On the evaluation of structural equation models. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 16(1), 74–94.
Balanskat, A., Blamire, R., & Kefala, S. (2006). The ICT impact report. European Schoolnet. http://ec.europa.eu/education/pdf/doc254_en.pdf. Accessed September 20, 2011.
Bocconi, S., Kampylis, P., & Punie, Y. (2013). Framing ICT-enabled Innovation for Learning: The case of one-to-one learning initiatives in Europe. European Journal of Education, 48, 113–130.
Brosnan, M. J. (1998). The impact of computer anxiety and self-efficacy upon performance. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 14(3), 223–234.
Burns, M. (2013). Success, failure or no significant difference: Charting a course for successful educational technology integration. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 8(1), 38–45.
Castaño-Muñoz, J., Duart, J. M., & Sancho-Vinuesa, T. (2014). The Internet in face-to-face higher education: Can interactive learning improve academic achievement? British Journal of Educational Technology, 45(1), 149–159.
Celik, V., & Yesilyurt, E. (2013). Attitudes to technology, perceived computer self-efficacy and computer anxiety as predictors of computer supported education. Computers & Education, 60(1), 148–158.
Chatzoglou, P. D., Sarigiannidis, L., Vraimaki, E., & Diamantidis, A. (2009). Investigating Greek employees’ intention to use web-based training. Computers & Education, 53(3), 877–889.
Cheon, J., Lee, S., Crooks, S. M., & Song, J. (2012). An investigation of mobile learning readiness in higher education based on the theory of planned behavior. Computers & Education, 59(3), 1054–1064.
Currier, S., Barton, J., O’Beirne, R., & Ryan, B. (2004). Quality assurance for digital learning object repositories: issues for the metadata creation process. Research in Learning Technology, 12(1), 5–20.
Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340.
Davis, F. D., Bagozzi, R. P., & Warshaw, P. R. (1989). User acceptance of computer technology: A comparison of two theoretical models. Management Science, 35(8), 982–1003.
De Smet, C., Bourgonjon, J., De Wever, B., Schellens, T., & Valcke, M. (2012). Researching instructional use and the technology acceptation of learning management systems by secondary school teachers. Computers & Education, 58, 688–696.
Drent, M., & Meelissen, M. (2008). Which factors obstruct or stimulate teacher educators to use ICT innovatively? Computers & Education, 51(1), 187–199.
EU. (2008). The use of ICT to support innovation and lifelong learning for all—A report on progress. European Commission, Brussels. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/sec/2008/2629/COM_SEC%282008%292629_EN.pdf. Accessed May 25, 2014.
EU. (2011). Key data on learning and innovation through ICT at school in Europe. Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency, European Commission, Brussels. http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/key_data_series/129en.pdf. Accessed May 13, 2014.
EU. (2013). Survey of schools: ICT in Education, Digital Agenda for Europe. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.
European Schoolnet. (2012a). Survey of Schools: ICT in Education. http://essie.eun.org/. Accessed June 12, 2014.
European Schoolnet. (2012b). Survey of schools: ICT in Education. Country Profile Malta. https://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/sites/digital-agenda/files/Malta%20country%20profile.pdf. Accessed June 15, 2014.
Field, A. (2009). Discovering statistics using SPSS. Los Angeles, USA: Sage publications.
Fullan, M. (2008). The new meaning of educational change (4th ed.). London: Routledge.
Fullan, M. (2013). Stratosphere: Integrating technology, pedagogy, and change knowledge. Don Mills, Canada: Pearson.
Fullan, M., & Smith, G. (1999). Technology and the problem of change. http://www.michaelfullan.ca. Articles_98-99/12_99. Pdf. Accessed March 10, 2014.
Garcia, R., & Calantone, R. (2002). A critical look at technological innovation typology and innovativeness terminology: A literature review. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 19(2), 110–132.
Graesser, A., Chipman, P., Leeming, F., & Biedenbach, S. (2009). Deep learning and emotion in serious games. Serious Games: Mechanisms and Effects, 6, 83–102.
Greenhow, C., & Robelia, B. (2009). Old communication, new literacies: Social network sites as social learning resources. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 14(4), 1130–1161.
Grewal, R., Mehta, R., & Kardes, F. R. (2004). The timing of repeat purchases of consumer durable goods: The role of functional bases of consumer attitudes. Journal of Marketing Research, 41(1), 101–115.
Halász, G., & Michel, A. (2011). Key Competences in Europe: Interpretation, policy formulation and implementation. European Journal of Education, 46(3), 289–306.
Hannafin, M. J., Hill, J. R., & Land, S. M. (1997). Student-centered learning and interactive multimedia: Status, issues, and implications. Contemporary Education, 68(2), 94–97.
Harkema, S. J., & Schout, H. (2008). Incorporating student-centred learning in innovation and entrepreneurship education. European Journal of Education, 43(4), 513–526.
Hefling, K., & Feller, B. (2012). No Child Left Behind: 10 states receive waivers from education law’s sweeping requirements. NBCNews. http://www.nbcnews.com/id/46323704/ns/politics/t/official-states-given-waiver-no-child-left-behind-learning-laws#.VUcgnfBNqCk. Accessed on February 1, 2015.
Hoskins, B., & Crick, R. D. (2010). Competences for learning to learn and active citizenship: Different currencies or two sides of the same coin? European Journal of Education, 45(1), 121–137.
Huang, Y. M., Huang, Y. M., Huang, S. H., & Lin, Y. T. (2012). A ubiquitous English vocabulary learning system: Evidence of active/passive attitudes vs. usefulness/ease-of-use. Computers & Education, 58(1), 273–282.
ICT in Schools. (2008). Investing effectively in Information and Communications Technology in Schools. A report of the Irish minister’s strategy group. https://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Policy-Reports/Investing-Effectively-in-Information-and-Communication-Technology-in-Schools-2008-2013.pdf. Accessed June 20, 2014.
Jackson, J. D., Mun, Y. Y., & Park, J. S. (2013). An empirical test of three mediation models for the relationship between personal innovativeness and user acceptance of technology. Information & Management, 50(4), 154–161.
Katz, I. R. (2013). Testing information literacy in digital environments: ETS’s iSkills assessment. Information technology and Libraries, 26(3), 3–12.
Kinshuk, S. P., Spector, J. M., & Schrum, L. (2007). Special issue introduction: A critical view of technology-enhanced learning and instruction in the digital age. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 40(1), 2–3.
Kolb, A. Y., & Kolb, D. A. (2005). Learning styles and learning spaces: Enhancing experiential learning in higher education. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 4(2), 193–212.
Kozma, R. B. (2003). Technology and classroom practices: An international study. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 36(1), 1–14.
Kozma, R. B. (2005). National policies that connect ICT-based education reform to economic and social development. Human Technology: An Interdisciplinary Journal on Humans in ICT Environments, 1(2), 117–156.
Lauri, M. A., Borg, J., Günnel, T., & Gillum, R. (2010). Attitudes of a sample of English, Maltese and German teachers towards media education. European Journal of Teacher Education, 33(1), 79–98.
Ling, P., & Ze, Z. (2011). Developing digital learning resources for the College Market in China. Publishing Research Quarterly, 27(4), 354–363.
Liu, I. F., Chen, M. C., Sun, Y. S., Wible, D., & Kuo, C. H. (2010). Extending the TAM model to explore the factors that affect intention to use an online learning community. Computers & Education, 54(2), 600–610.
Mayo, P., Pace, P. J., & Zammit, E. (2008). Adult education in small states: The case of Malta. Comparative Education, 44(2), 229–246.
McLoughlin, C., & Lee, M. J. (2010). Personalised and self regulated learning in the Web 2.0 era: International exemplars of innovative pedagogy using social software. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 26(1), 28–43.
Meuter, M. L., Bitner, M. J., Ostrom, A. L., & Brown, S. W. (2005). Choosing among alternative service delivery modes: An investigation of customer trial of self-service technologies. Journal of Marketing, 69(2), 61–83.
Mills, K. A. (2010). A review of the “digital turn” in the new literacy studies. Review of Educational Research, 80(2), 246–271.
OECD. (2009). Beyond Textbooks: Digital Learning Resources as Systemic Innovation in the Nordic Countries Centre for Educational Research and Innovation. http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org.ezproxy1.bath.ac.uk/education/beyond-textbooks_9789264067813-en. Accessed December 12, 2014.
Papastergiou, M. (2009). Digital game-based learning in high school computer science education: Impact on educational effectiveness and student motivation. Computers & Education, 52(1), 1–12.
Pedró, F. (2005). Comparing traditional and ICT-Enriched university teaching methods: Evidence from two empirical studies. Higher Education in Europe, 30(3–4), 399–411.
Perrotta, C. (2013). Do school-level factors influence the educational benefits of digital technology? A critical analysis of teachers’ perceptions. British Journal of Educational Technology, 44(2), 314–327.
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants part 1. On the Horizon, 9(5), 1–6.
Prensky, M. (2005). Computer games and learning: Digital game-based learning. Handbook of Computer Game Studies, 18, 97–122.
Prensky, M. (2006). Don’t bother me, Mom, I’m learning!: How computer and video games are preparing your kids for 21st century success and how you can help!. New York: Paragon House.
Rosen, L. D., Sears, D. C., & Weil, M. M. (1987). Computerphobia. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers, 19(2), 167–179.
Ross, A. (2007). Multiple identities and education for active citizenship. British Journal of Educational Studies, 55(3), 286–303.
Sanchez-Franco, M. J. (2010). WebCT–The quasimoderating effect of perceived affective quality on an extending Technology Acceptance Model. Computers & Education, 54(1), 37–46.
Sang, G., Valcke, M., van Braak, J., & Tondeur, J. (2010). Student teachers’ thinking processes and ICT integration: Predictors of prospective teaching behaviors with educational technology. Computers & Education, 54(1), 103–112.
Sardone, N. B., & Devlin-Scherer, R. (2010). Teacher candidate responses to digital games: 21st-century skills development. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 42(4), 409–425.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2009). Research methods for business students (5th ed.). Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Ltd.
Smith, H. J., Higgins, S., Wall, K., & Miller, J. (2005). Interactive whiteboards: Boon or bandwagon? A critical review of the literature. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 21(2), 91–101.
Squire, K., Jenkins, H., Holland, W., Miller, H., O'Driscoll, A., Tan, K. P., & Todd, K. (2003). Design Principles of Next-Generation Digital Gaming for Education. Educational Technology, 43(5), 17–23.
Tondeur, J., van Braak, J., Sang, G., Voogt, J., Fisser, P., & Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. (2012). Preparing pre-service teachers to integrate technology in education: A synthesis of qualitative evidence. Computers & Education, 59(1), 134–144.
Tyner, K. (2014). Literacy in a digital world: Teaching and learning in the age of information. New York: Routledge.
Virvou, M., Katsionis, G., & Manos, K. (2005). Combining software games with education: Evaluation of its educational effectiveness. Educational Technology & Society, 8(2), 54–65.
Warren, S. J., Dondlinger, M. J., & Barab, S. A. (2008). A MUVE towards PBL writing: Effects of a digital learning environment designed to improve elementary student writing. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 41(1), 113–140.
Wastiau, P., Blamire, R., Kearney, C., Quittre, V., Van de Gaer, E., & Monseur, C. (2013). The use of ICT in education: A survey of schools in Europe. European Journal of Education, 48, 11–27. doi:10.1111/ejed.12020.
Yee, N. (2006). Motivations for play in online games. CyberPsychology and Behavior, 9(6), 772–775.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
None of the authors have any competing interests in the manuscript.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Camilleri, M.A., Camilleri, A.C. Digital Learning Resources and Ubiquitous Technologies in Education. Tech Know Learn 22, 65–82 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-016-9287-7
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-016-9287-7