Increasing Teachers' Confidence in Using Computers for Education.

Overview & Synopsis

The anxiety or confidence that teachers display towards computers and other new technologies is a subject which should be of prime importance to teacher educators and educational technologists. Many teachers feel ill-prepared and resist the integration of computers and other technologies into their instruction. Since 1976 there has been a growing body of literature on the subject of teachers' attitudes towards computers, pointing out that teacher educators and teacher preparation programs could play a vital role in helping teachers become less anxious and more confident computer users. Many states now require an educational technology component in preservice teacher training, most often taking the form of a basic applications or "computers in education" course. Eleven strategies that have been utilized successfully in teacher education courses at three universities are outlined. According to course evaluations and interviews with preservice teachers, these strategies have been successful in reducing computer anxiety and increasing confidence in using computer technologies for education. Recommendations for teacher educators who are interested in helping preservice and inservice teachers become more acquainted and comfortable with new instructional technologies are provided. (Contains 13 references.) (LL)