Constructivist Beliefs And The Attitudes Towards Computers As Predictors Of Classroom Technology Use Amongst Pre-Service Teachers

Abstract

Despite vast improvements in technology infrastructure and classroom technology implementation across Malaysia, there still remain teachers who fail to seamlessly integrate technology in their lessons. Potential explanations for this behaviour span from low self-efficacy and computer anxiety to personal attitudes and beliefs. Technology has been shown to aid learning and even contribute to an improvement in standardized test results when integrated into the curriculum in a meaningful manner. This study investigates the causes for the reluctance to integrate technology in classrooms. It also looks into whether it can be understood from teachers' attitudes towards computers or from their constructivist teaching beliefs. A correlational research study was conducted with 135 pre-service teachers from 3 public Malaysian universities. Multiple regression analysis was performed to establish the predictive value of the variables. Our analysis showed that teachers’ attitudes towards computers can directly predict how likely they are to incorporate technology in their lessons. However, constructivist beliefs did not predict pre-service teachers’ intention to use technology in the classroom. Additional analysis and t-test found that female teachers were significantly less likely to want to incorporate technology in their lessons when compared to males. We concluded that when teachers’ attitudes towards computers are more positive, they are more likely to use technology in their future lessons. However, this may not apply across the board, with female teachers appearing less likely to utilise technology when compared with male teachers.