Attitudes of teachers towards information technology in education in four secondary schools in Dungun Terengganu / Zamri Zakaria

New technologies have infiltrated workplaces, homes and very soon schools as well. Computers, CD-ROM drives, digital videodisc players, modems and scanners will be available in every school in the near future just like televisions, radio cassette players and overhead transparency projectors are at the moment. The new technologies together with sophisticated interactive and participative multimedia software will require a radical change in the approach to teaching and learning in classrooms. The change in the role of teachers in these technology-rich classrooms will have an enormous impact on them.
The purpose of this study is to investigate how teachers will respond and react to the impending introduction of information technology to schools. Specifically, it aims to uncover their attitudes towards the educational use of this technology. Another important aspect of the study is to identify factors which affect their attitudes. A positive attitude on the part of teachers is crucial if any change is to be successfully accomplished.
The outcomes of the study show that teachers have very favourable disposition towards the new technology. The study also shows that there is no significant difference in attitudes of male and female; new and experienced; and science and non-science teachers. However, a significant difference exists between teachers who are younger and older; non-graduates and graduates; and who own and who do not own computers. Computer experience in college or university also contributes towards a difference in attitudes. No such difference is observed among teachers who have and who have no computer experience in schools; and also who have and who have not attended any computer course.