Home PublicationsJRTEPast IssuesVolume 35 Number 2

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

Volume 35 Number 2 Winter 2002—2003

Explaining and Predicting Resistance to Computer Anxiety Reduction among Teacher Education Students
Alfred P. Rovai
Regent University
Marcus D. Childress
Emporia State University

Abstract
This study investigated how resistance to the reduction of computer anxiety among teacher education students can be explained and reliably predicted. Instrumentation for the study consisted of six self-report questionnaires: (1) the Computer Anxiety Scale, (2) the Computer Attitude Scale, (3) the Computer Experience Scale, (4) the Computer Knowledge Scale, (5) Rotter’s Internal-External Control Scale, and (6) the trait form of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. A stepwise multiple regression using backward deletion was used to find the dimensions along which computer anxiety can be explained and best predicted. The results indicated that the best predictors of retained computer anxiety were computer confidence, trait anxiety, computer knowledge, and computer liking, together accounting for 69% of the variance of computer anxiety following completion of a computer literacy course. The findings suggest that any efforts to treat retained computer anxiety in teacher education students should focus on building computer confidence and expanding students’ knowledge about computers.

Contributors
Dr. Alfred P. Rovai is an associate professor of education at Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he presently teaches courses in research, statistics, and program evaluation. His research interest is to understand how and why the sense of community varies in different learning environments and courses and how it is related to achievement and persistence in distance education programs. Dr. Marcus D. Childress is an associate professor of education at Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas, where he teaches courses in instructional design and instructional technology. His research interests include distance education, online instruction, and using technology as a catalyst for school reform.

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Contact
Alfred P. Rovai
School of Education
Regent University
1000 Regent University Dr.
Virginia Beach, VA 23464-9800
alfrrov@regent.edu

Copyright © 2002, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). All rights reserved.