Self-Report Measures and Findings for Information Technology Attitudes and Competencies

Abstract

This chapter focuses on self-report findings regarding IT attitudes and competencies related to education. Studies have been conducted for more than 25 years with much having been learned during that time. For teachers, positive attitudes, competencies, as well as self-efficacy are important components of highly – integrated use of technology in the classroom. Historical concerns about computer anxiety have been largely replaced by a focus on issues such as enthusiasm and perceived usefulness. Access is important as well as attitudes and competencies. For students, attitudes and competencies are largely not a concern except in the case of students who have no access to IT at school, and also none at home. Evidence is emerging that this class of students is at a disadvantage in academic subjects as well as in technology skills. The prospect of developing unifying models that incorporate most if not all of the IT attitudes and competencies addressed is this chapter is discussed toward the end of this chapter.