Edited by Dr. David J. Ayersman, Mary Washington College, and Dr. W. Michael Reed, New York University
formerly Journal of Research on Computing in Education

JRCE, Volume 33, Number 2, Winter 2000

Integrating Technology into Preservice Literacy Instruction:
A Survey of Elementary Education Students’ Attitudes
toward Computers

Judy A. Abbott and Saundra E. Faris
West Virginia University

Abstract

Many teacher education programs are integrating technology experiences into professional education courses. This study examined the attitudes toward the use of computers by preservice teachers before and after a semester-long literacy course that required the use of technology to complete assignments and activities. Sixty-three undergraduate education students participated in this study by completing pre- and postcourse surveys consisting of three attitude-toward-computer instruments. Two of the three instruments revealed a statistically significant difference in the mean scores from pre- to postcourse surveys, suggesting that both the CAQ and the modified CASS adequately ascertain shifts in attitudes toward computers when adding a technology component to existing literacy courses. The results of this study suggest that increases in positive attitudes toward computers may have resulted from instructional approaches, meaningful assignments requiring technology, and supportive faculty. Recommendations for instrument use in evaluating the effectiveness and usefulness of technology strands integrated into teacher education programs are included.

Contributors

Judy A. Abbott, PhD, is an assistant professor of literacy studies in the Department of Educational Theory and Practice at the College of Human Resources and Education, West Virginia University. Her research focuses on children’s writing, literacy studies, teacher education, children’s literature, and instructional technology education.

Saundra E. Faris is a doctoral student of instructional technology and literacy studies in the Department of Educational Theory & Practice in the College of Human Resources & Education at West Virginia University. Her research areas of interest include instructional technology education, second language learning, literacy studies, and teacher education.

Address: Judy A. Abbott, Department of Educational Theory and Practice, Allen Hall, Room 607-D, PO Box 6122, Morgantown, WV 26506-6122; jabbot@wvu.edu.

Copyright © 2001, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). All rights reserved.