Do universities educate towards a change in teacher attitudes? The case of computer related attitudes

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether teacher trainees in the third year of their university studies are more open to innovation and change in instructional methods, such as Computer Assisted Instruction (cai) and Computer Assisted Learning (cal), than their first year counterparts. The students all participated in courses on teaching innovation, with special emphasis on the use of information technology. First year students participated in an introductory course and third year students took two advanced courses.

Results of the study indicate that no significant improvement in students' attitudes to the use of computers—the vehicle for innovation and change—was achieved, despite the participation of third year students in courses designed to promote change. It may be concluded that teacher training institutions need to implement modifications in their coursework in order to promote positive attitudes toward innovation and significant change in the instructional process.