Date of Award
2004
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services
Advisor
Gary Anglin
Committee Member
Michael Simonson
Committee Member
Maryellen Maher
Keywords
administrators, attitudes, barriers, colleges, commitment, computer technology, diffusion of innovations theory, educational technology, equipment availability, faculty members, instructional innovation, instruction, interviews, Jamaica, Joint Board of Teacher Education, lecturers, Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture, physical education, questionnaires, resource support, teacher education, teachers’ colleges, technological change, technological implementation, technology integration, training, use of technology, variables, workforce preparation
Abstract
This study proposed an investigation into the use of computer technology in the teachers’ colleges in Jamaica. This paper examined the factors that promoted and/or contributed to the incorporation of computer technology in physical education teacher education programs in Jamaica and determined, within this context, how the diffusion of innovation in this program was encouraged to prepare students to use computer technology in instruction The diffusion of innovations theory (E. Rogers, 1995) was used to guide the examination and interpretation of perceived technological changes and barriers.
Lecturers in the 8 teachers’ colleges, 5 administrators of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture, and Joint Board of Teacher Education personnel were surveyed using a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of open-ended and closed-ended questions. Follow-up interviews, where necessary, were conducted with some of the participants to allow them to clarify or to explain further their responses. The responses were grouped and analyzed to determine the factors that promoted and/or encouraged the use of technology in physical education teacher education programs. In order to identify the barriers to the incorporation of computer technology, the data were analyzed to determine possible correlation between the use of computer technology, availability of equipment, and training.
Computer technology is currently being used at different levels in physical education teacher education programs in Jamaica. If the administration supports the use of computer technology and provides the available resources, faculty members will be the key players in technological implementation. The attitudes of physical education lecturers and administrators toward the incorporation of computer technology in instruction are extremely positive, and the success of the use of computer technology may depend on the commitment of each faculty member.