JC&E -- Teacxhers Technology

  • Upload
    mxtxxs

  • View
    217

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

  • 8/9/2019 JC&E -- Teacxhers Technology

    1/11

    Investigating models for preservice teachers use of technology to support

    student-centered learning

    Rong-Ji Chen *

    California State University San Marcos, College of Education, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92096, USA

    a r t i c l e i n f o

    Article history:Received 28 August 2009

    Received in revised form 28 November 2009

    Accepted 30 November 2009

    Keywords:

    Elementary education

    Improving classroom teaching

    Pedagogical issues

    Secondary education

    a b s t r a c t

    The study addressed two limitations of previous research on factors related to teachers integration oftechnology in their teaching. It attempted to test a structural equation model (SEM) of the relationships

    among a set of variables influencing preservice teachers use of technology specifically to support stu-

    dent-centered learning. A review of literature led to a path model that provided the design and analysis

    for the study, which involved 206 preservice teachers in the United States. The results show that the pro-

    posed model had a moderate fit to the observed data, and a more parsimonious model was found to have

    a better fit. In addition, preservice teachers self-efficacy of teaching with technology had the strongest

    influence on technology use, which was mediated by their perceived value of teaching and learning with

    technology. Schools contextual factors had moderate influence on technology use. Moreover, the effect of

    preservice teachers training on student-centered technology use was mediated by both perceived value

    and self-efficacy of technology. The implications for teacher preparation include close collaboration

    between teacher education program and field experience, focusing on specific technology uses.

    2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

    1. Introduction

    Information and communication technology (ICT) has been a component in many recent educational reforms in many countries. In the

    UK, British Educational Communications (Becta) initiated the Next Generation Learningcampaign to ensure the effective and innovative use

    of ICT in education. In the US, Cuban (1986, 2001) argues that historically American educators have pursued the use of technology in the

    classroom as part of an attempt to increase productivity and efficiency.

    Teachers are on the frontline of educational reforms. To improve the education of teachers in technology integration, both Becta (2009)

    and the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE, 2008) have developed a set of technology guidelines and standards for

    teachers, students, and other stakeholders. These guidelines and standards have been widely adopted, adapted, or otherwise referenced

    in country/states and local educational institutions technology plans and standards.

    Thus, teachers have become expected to incorporate technology into their curricula. However, research has found that many teachers do

    not use technology in their teaching or use it effectively despite the availability of hardware and software (Cuban, 2001; Harrison et al.,

    2002; Henning, Robinson, Herring, & McDonald, 2006). Numerous studies are conducted to examine factors that are related to teachers

    use of technology in classrooms (Baek, Jung, & Kim, 2008; Norton, McRobbie, & Cooper, 2000; see more examples in the following discus-

    sion and Section 2).There are two limitations of the factor research. First, teachers use of technology is not clearly defined. As Drent and Meelissen (2008)

    aptly pointed out that:

    Most of the research on the implementation of ICT in schools is focusing on factors that influence the use of ICT in general. It is often

    assumed that the use of ICT will lead to changes in learning arrangements and teaching methods but factors influencing innovative ICT-

    use are not explicitly analysed (p. 188).

    Here innovative use means to use ICT to support student-centered learning instead of teachers using technology to prepare lessons,

    finding information, or doing e-mail. Indeed, Bectas survey showed that technology was used by teachers primarily for presentational pur-

    poses rather than as a means to engage students in learning activities (Smith, Rudd, & Coghlan, 2008). According to Wozney, Venkatesh,

    0360-1315/$ - see front matter 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2009.11.015

    * Tel.: +1 760 750 8509; fax: +1 760 750 3237.

    E-mail address: [email protected].

    Computers & Education 55 (2010) 3242

    Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

    Computers & Education

    j o u r n a l h o m e p a g e : w w w . e l s e v i e r . c o m / l o c a t e / c o m p e d u

    http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2009.11.015mailto:[email protected]://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03601315http://www.elsevier.com/locate/compeduhttp://www.elsevier.com/locate/compeduhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03601315mailto:[email protected]://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2009.11.015
  • 8/9/2019 JC&E -- Teacxhers Technology

    2/11

    and Abrami (2006), teachers use of computer technology was predominantly for informative (Internet and CD-ROM), expressive (word

    processing), and administrative and evaluative (data keeping, lesson planning, and testing) purposes. Thus, research on teachers use of

    technology should clearly define how technology is used, especially to provide opportunities for students to learn with technology.

    The second limitation is that many researchers do not attempt to distinguish the relative importance of the factors or the distinction is

    rudimentary. In Franklins study (2007), all factors were considered to significantly influence teachers technology use, a finding that does

    not shed much new light on the field of technology and teacher education. Ertmer, Ottenbreit-Leftwich, and York (2006) moved a little

    further and concluded that intrinsicfactors (such as beliefs, confidence, and commitment) were stronger than extrinsicfactors (such as ac-

    cess to technology, support, and time). In this study, the researchers used mean scores of the factors as indicators of importance. But com-paring means does not take into account the complex correlations among the factors and thus not adequate. In short, readers of this type of

    research are left to wonder about the subtle ways the factors encourage or impede technology use. Does teachers training in technology

    directly related to their use of technology? Or is this influence mediated by other factors such as teachers beliefs about teaching and

    technology?

    Methodologically, structural equation modeling (SEM) can help researchers answer these questions. For example, Y.-L. Chen (2008)

    tested a SEM model that predicted the level of Internet use by English teachers in Taiwan. Teo (2009) attempted to build a SEM model

    to predict preservice teachers level of technology acceptance. Wang, Wu, and Wang (2009) proposed a SEM model to account for adults

    intention to use mobile learning (by means of wireless Internet and mobile devices such as cell phones, PDAs, and digital audio players). In

    these studies, the researchers were able to specify a path model to predict or explain the determinants of peoples intention or use of tech-

    nology. Although these studies address the second limitation by decomposing differentiated effects of factors on technology use, they fall

    short of addressing the first limitation and fail to clearly define how technology is used. For example, in Teos study, preservice teachers

    behavioral intention to use technology was measured by two general items on the questionnaire: I will use computers in future and I

    plan to use the computer often (p. 311). It is not clear how exactly technology would be used in instructional activities.

    The current study attempted to address the above two limitations. It sought to build a SEM model that accounts for preservice teachers

    use of technology to support students learningwith technology. Based on a review of literature on psychology, teacher education, and edu-

    cational technology, an initial theoretical model was proposed. SEM analysis was conducted to investigate to what degree the model fitted

    the data collected from 206 preservice teachers. The model fitted the data well, and an alternative, more parsimonious model was found to

    have a better fit. Both models were formulated in accordance with previous research, and meaningful interpretation was given to every

    parameter of the model. In addition, the current study sought to decompose the effect of each factor into direct and mediated effects.

    In short, the following research questions guided the design and data analysis of the study:

    1. How does the SEM model fit the data? Is there an alternative model with a better fit?

    2. What is the relative importance of the variables in explaining preservice teachers use of technology to facilitate student-centered

    learning?

    Answers to these questions would help to assess the usefulness of the proposed theoretical model. The investigation would also shed

    some light on variables that affect preservice teachers decision making and their acceptance of or resistance to technology in the

    classroom.

    2. Theoretical framework that leads to the proposed model

    The SEM model in the study was derived from an in-depth review of the literature pertaining to psychology theories on human behavior

    and preservice teachers learning to teach with technology. A special attention was given to identifying factors that are involved in preser-

    vice teachers thought process and perceptions of support as they consider using technology in their teaching.

    2.1. Training in technology

    2.1.1. Technology skills and experience

    Various quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies have shown that, whether novice or veteran, teachers competency in

    using ICT is a strong determinant of their level of technology use in classrooms (Bauer & Kenton, 2005; Demetriadis et al., 2003; Franklin,2007; Wozney et al., 2006). It is not surprising that preparation of technology proficient preservice teachers was an emphasis of many Pre-

    paring Tomorrows Teachers to Use Technology (PT3) grants in the United States (Mims, Polly, Shepherd, & Inan, 2006). These programs

    focused on improving preservice teachers skills in using various hardware and software for teaching and learning.

    Preservice teachers can gain these skills and experiences from their teacher education programs as well as field practicum. Accordingly,

    Schrum (1999) argued that three aspects of experience are crucial for preservice teachers to learn about and integrate technology in their

    teaching. First, preservice teachers must be exposed to various types of technology tools in skill-based courses. Second, they need to learn

    how these technology tools can be integrated in subject areas in the methods courses. Finally, they need to be placed in a technology-rich

    field environment where they can receive on-going guidance as they implement technology-supported lessons. In other words, preservice

    teachers obtaining technology skills needs to be complemented by pedagogical knowledge and extensive practice of how to use their tech-

    nology skills to augment student learning.

    At any rate, technology skills remain at the core of many ICT courses for preservice teachers and professional development programs for

    inservice teachers. However, Sandholtz and Reilly (2004) raised an interesting point by arguing that, while teachers technology skills are

    an important factor, it is not a prerequisite for successful integration of technology in curriculum. With adequate and reliable access to

    hardware and software, professional development program that focuses on instructional rather than technical issues, and effective tech-nical support, teachers can move quickly to productive and creative uses of computers in classrooms.

    R.-J. Chen / Computers & Education 55 (2010) 3242 33

  • 8/9/2019 JC&E -- Teacxhers Technology

    3/11

    2.1.2. Teacher education program

    Sandholtz and Reilly (2004) pointed out the role of teacher education program in teachers learning to teach with technology. Chen and

    Ferneding (2003) found that preservice teachers perceptions about how their teacher education programs promoted the educational use of

    ICT were a strong factor influencing their intention and use of technology resources in their practicum. This finding is corroborated by the

    results of the factor analysis conducted by Franklins (2007), who found that teacher preparation was one of a few key factors associated

    with classroom use of technology, implying that curriculum integration of technology into methods courses would influence novice teach-

    ers use of technology in their teaching. This also means that university facultys proficiency in technology and their attitudes toward ICT in

    education can influence the type of experience preservice teachers receive in their programs (Mims et al., 2006). Faculty members areencouraged to learn about and then model how technology can be incorporated in content area teaching and learning.

    2.2. Perceived value and self-efficacy

    The expectancyvalue theory (e.g., Feather, 1982; Wigfield, 1994) proposes that peoples intention to perform a particular task is a func-

    tion of two variables. First, people must believe that there are benefits in performing a task; in other words, they will determine the value of

    performing an action, and this determination will influence their behavior intention. Second, people must believe they can succeed; in

    other words, they must have a high expectancy about their task performance. This notion is similar to social learning theorists concept

    of self-efficacy (Bandura, 1977), which refers to the idea that people are likely to perform a certain behavior when they believe they are

    capable of performing the behavior successfully.

    The expectancyvalue theory was used by Wozney et al. (2006) in their development of a comprehensive questionnaire to examine

    teachers personal and instructional use of technology. They found that teachers expectancy of success and perceived value were the most

    important factors accounted for their levels of computer use; teachers who believed that technology can greatly improve teaching and

    learning tended to be creative in technology use. Indeed, recent research demonstrates that both preservice and inservice teachers ped-

    agogical beliefs about the appropriate role of ICT in education are a critical indicator for classroom use of technology (Czerniak, Lumpe,

    Haney, & Beck, 1999; Ertmer, 2005; Guerrero, Walker, & Dugdale, 2004; Schmidt, 1999).

    2.3. School context

    Teachers use of technology is influenced by organizational context, in addition to teachers beliefs and other technology-related factors

    (C.-H. Chen, 2008; Clausen, 2007; Hermans, Tondeur, van Braak, & Valcke, 2008; Higgins & Spitulnik, 2008; Hu, Clark, & Ma, 2003; Lim &

    Chai, 2008; Schrum, 1999; Tearle, 2003). Specifically, research has shown that access to technology, a supportive school culture , and ade-

    quate time for preservice teachers to explore educational use of technology are essential for successful technology integration. A discussion

    of each of these issues is provided in the following.

    First of all, access does not mean only the availability of hardware and software but also the appropriate type of technology and pro-

    grams that support teaching and learning (Tondeur, Valcke, & van Braak, 2008). Access to appropriate technology means that the affor-

    dances and constraints (Freidhoff, 2008) of a technological tool need to be carefully considered when the tool is incorporated in the

    lesson. Moreover, a distinction of access needs to be made. Typically, teachers have easier access to technology than students. For example,

    in Dexter and Reidels (2003) study of preservice teachers during their student teaching, nearly twice as many preservice teachers (34.7%)indicated that computers were available for teacher use compared with being available for student use (14.4%). Clearly, a student-centered

    approach to technology integration calls for studentsaccess to quality technology resources.

    A supportive culture at the school site where preservice teachers practicum occurs is another important factor. Necessary support from

    administration, cooperating teachers, and other teachers and technical staff has been shown as a key factor influencing preservice teachers

    intention and use of technology resources (Bullock, 2004; Dexter & Riedel, 2003). Particularly for preservice teachers, the practicum expe-

    rience will be conducive to professional growth in ICT if they are placed in an encouraging environment in which they can feel comfortable

    to try and even to fail as they integrate technology in their teaching. Moreover, one-on-one technology support was considered a necessary

    part of many projects aimed at improving preservice teachers capacity to use technology in their teaching (Mims et al., 2006).

    Finally, time is often cited as a key factor influencing teachers use of technology (e.g., Franklin, 2007), even for tech-savvy teachers

    (Bauer & Kenton, 2005). The issue of time is dire for preservice teachers in their practicum as they work very hard to learn about the school

    and students and prepare new lessons. Time is a deciding factor for the extent of effort preservice teachers can devote themselves in

    exploring new ideas and materials, organizing various technology resources for effective student learning, working with cooperating teach-

    ers, and reflecting on their teaching (Bullock, 2004; Russell, Bebell, ODwyer, & OConnor, 2003).

    2.4. Types and ways of preservice and new teachers technology use

    As stated in Section 1, many studies examining factors associated with teachers use of technology fail to identify the types of technology

    in the classrooms or how it is used. In fact, technology use is defined very differently in research, and many studies involve a generic

    notion of teachers use of technology. The following two studies are exceptions.

    Dexter and Riedel (2003) surveyed 201 preservice teachers about their use of different types of technology and the conditions facilitat-

    ing or otherwise affecting that use during student teaching. Word-processing programs and Internet browsers were commonly used by

    these preservice teachers. Spreadsheet, presentation, and database programs were not used often. In addition, the study showed that stu-

    dents were not given adequate opportunities to use these technological tools. In general, students occasionally used word processors and

    the Internet, and they rarely used spreadsheet, presentation, or database programs in their learning.

    Russell, Bebell, ODwyer, and OConnor (2003) investigated the relationship between teachers years of teaching experience and the

    manners technology was used in their study of 2894 K-12 teachers in Massachusetts, United States. A special attention was given to under-

    standing how new teachers (defined as those with less than 5 years of teaching experience) used technology in their teaching compared

    with matured teachers (with 610 years of experience) and retirement-age teachers (with more than 15 years of experience). The compar-isons were organized into the following four ways of technology use: (a) teacher use of technology for preparation, (b) teacher use of e-

    34 R.-J. Chen / Computers & Education 55 (2010) 3242

  • 8/9/2019 JC&E -- Teacxhers Technology

    4/11

    mail, (c) teacher use of technology for delivery of lessons, and (d) teacher-directed student use of technology. The results showed that new

    teachers had a higher level of preparation use than both the matured and retirement-age teachers and that new teachers used e-mail more

    intensively than retirement-age teachers. However, new teachers had lower level ofteacher-directed student use than either mature teach-

    ers or retirement-age teachers.

    Russell, Bebell, ODwyer, and OConnor (2003) noted that, although newteachers had higher technology skillsthan veteran teachers, they

    did not display higher levelsof technology usein theclassroom, especially in thestudent use category. The researchers provided two reasons.

    First, new teachers could focus on learning about how to use technology rather than on how to integrate technology in the content areas.

    Second, the first fewyears of teaching are challenging, and newteachers typically spend most of their time and energy in getting acquaintedwith curriculum and classroom management instead of technology integration. The researchers discussed implications for preparation of

    preservice teachers and argued for a focus on specific instructional uses of technology instead of general technology skills.

    Similar to the teacher-directed student use of technology in Russell et al. (2003) research, the current study focuses on preservice teach-

    ers instructional use of technology to facilitate student-centered learning. This refers to the degree to which participating teachers pro-

    vided opportunities for students to use technology to do projects, collect information/data, and share their ideas with peers by means

    of classroom presentations. Therefore, the following activities are not considered: Teachers use of software programs to gather informa-

    tion, write up lesson plans, and prepare instructional materials; teachers use of PowerPoint, document scanner, and interactive whiteboard

    to present lessons; teachers use of e-mail, blog, and Web 2.0 applications for communication purposes.

    3. Methods

    The main purpose of the study was to develop a SEM model that adequately represents factors influencing preservice teachers use of

    technology resources to support student-centered learning. Based on the above review of research, these factors are: Preservice teachers

    trainingin teaching with technology, perceived value of technology integration, perceived self-efficacy of teaching with technology, and con-textual factors at the school site of their practicum. Each of these latent constructs has two to three indicators (see Table 1). Data were col-

    lected via surveying 206 preservice teachers during their student teaching. AMOS statistics software program was used to calculate

    parameter estimates and analyze the model fit.

    3.1. Instruments and variables

    A questionnaire was developed to measure the variables in the SEM model. The questionnaire consisted of both published (Cassidy &

    Eachus, 2002; McGinnis et al., 2002) and researcher-developed instruments. A description of each variable is provided in Table 1 (see Sec-

    tion 2 for a discussion of each of these variables and indicators).

    3.2. Participants and data collection methods

    Two methods were used to collect data from preservice teachers in a comprehensive university in the United States. First, an e-mail

    invitation was sent to 115 preservice elementary teachers to complete the on-line version of the questionnaire. The participation was vol-untary and anonymous. With a few reminders, 78 of them (or 68%) successfully completed the on-line survey. This process took 2 weeks

    near the end of the preservice teachers student teaching experiences. In addition, to increase the return rate, the paper-based version of the

    questionnaire was distributed by the researcher to 136 preservice secondary teachers during methods classes. This survey was also anon-

    ymous. Eight teachers responses were not complete and were excluded from the sample. Therefore, the final sample consisted of 206 pre-

    service teachers. The overall return rate for both surveys was 82%. A convenient sample was used to include as many preservice teachers as

    possible on this campus because the SEM in the study required a relative large sample, preferably 150 participants and more. The partic-

    ipants were between 22 and 31 years old. Among them, 28 were male, and 178 were female. On average, they used the computer

    14.3 hours per week. It took approximately 20 minutes for the participants to complete the questionnaire.

    3.3. Statistical analysis: structural equation modeling (SEM)

    According to Pedhazur (1997), growing out of multiple regression, SEM is a more powerful way for testing the tenability of causal mod-

    els involving a set of independent and dependent variables. Unlike multiple regression, SEM takes into account measurement errors, cor-

    related residuals, modeling of interactions, nonlinearities, and correlated independence. It is particularly useful in social and behaviorresearch where many variables (e.g., motivation, anxiety, and attitudes) are not directly observable. In SEM, such a variable is called a latent

    variable. To capture validly and reliably of such a latent variable, more than one single indicator (observable variable) are necessary. SEM

    also has the ability to model mediating variables rather than be restricted to an additive model. In other words, SEM allows researchers to

    decompose the relationship between two variables into direct, indirect (through mediators), unanalyzed (due to correlated causes), and

    spurious (due to common causes) effects. The sum of direct and indirect effects is the total effect. Moreover, researchers can use SEM

    to compare alternative models to assess relative model fit, which is adopted in the current study.

    3.3.1. Model specification and identification

    Fig. 1 illustrates the proposed model that guided the design and analysis of this study. This model is based on a careful review of lit-

    erature (see Section 2) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), proposed by David, Bagozzi, and Warshaw (1989), which is widely used

    to predict and explain the determinants of computer acceptance in an organization. In TAM, two particular user perceptions, perceived use-

    fulness and perceived ease of use of the target technology system are considered to be of primary relevance for peoples attitude toward and

    intention to use the technology. According to TAM, perceived ease of use (which is compared to the latent variable EFFICACY in the current

    study) influences perceived usefulness (which is compared to the latent variable VALUE in the current study). Therefore, it is hypothesizedthat TRAINING affects two endogenous variables VALUE and EFFICACY, and that EFFICACY affects VALUE. Note that TRAINING is an exog-

    R.-J. Chen / Computers & Education 55 (2010) 3242 35

  • 8/9/2019 JC&E -- Teacxhers Technology

    5/11

    enous variable whose variation is assumed to be determined by causes outside the model. Another exogenous variable is CONTEXT. It is

    hypothesized that CONTEXT, VALUE, and EFFICACY have a direct effect on USE. Lastly, TRAINING has an indirect effect on USE via VALUE

    and EFFICACY.

    3.3.2. Model evaluation and modification

    The hypothesized model needs to be tested to see how closely the model matches the data. Thev2-test is the basis for the model fit test,

    which addresses the question whether the model differs significantly from one that fits the data perfectly. AMOS reportsv2 value, its de-

    grees of freedom, and significance level that help determine model fit. However, v2-test is sensitive to sample size and the assumption of

    multivariate normality of the variables. Pedhazur (1997) suggests that researchers use v2-test as a measure of fit and that the degrees of

    freedom serve as a standard by which to judge whether v2 is large or small. One common way is to calculate v2/df, and a small ratio is

    considered a good fit. A popular rule of thumb is that the v2/df ratio is less than 3 for a good fit. However, some researchers question

    the validity of such a rule of thumb. Therefore, other indicators of model fit are needed. See Table 6 for a summary of a few commonly

    used indexes of model fit. If a proposed model does not fit the data, researchers can test alternative models for goodness-of-fit and param-

    eter estimates. However, model modification should be based on sound theories and established research rather than merely increasing the

    model fit indexes.

    4. Results

    4.1. Descriptive statistics and correlations

    The descriptive statistics of the observed variables and internal consistency (Cronbachs a values) are listed in Table 2. Kline (2005) pos-

    its that an a value of .90 and up is considered excellent, .80 very good, and .70 acceptable. Accordingly, the observed variables in this studyhad good internal consistency. The correlations among these variables are reported in Table 3.

    Table 1

    Latent variables and their indicators in the SEM model.

    Latent

    variable

    Indicators Description # of

    items

    USE Info and data The degree to which teachers provide opportunities for students to use technology to gather information and/or

    collect data

    1

    Project The degree to which teachers provide opportunities for students to use technology to conduct in-depth projects 1

    Presentation The degree to which teachers provide opportunities for students to communicate their ideas by means of classroom

    presentations

    1

    TRAINING Program Perceptions about the technological culture in the teacher education program. The higher the score, the higher level

    of encouragement to use technology perceived from peers, faculty, and college

    9

    Skill The higher the score, the more advanced skills in various areas such as database, spreadsheet, multimedia, and

    networking operations

    12

    VALUE Teaching belief Beliefs about the usefulness of technology in the teaching process. The higher the score, the more positive beliefs

    about the power of technology in enhancing teaching effectiveness

    10

    Learning belief Beliefs about the benefit for students to use technology in their learning 10

    EFFICACY Computer self-

    efficacy

    Teachers confidence in their control over computer technology and ability to handle various tasks involving the use

    of computers. The higher the score, the more confidence and less anxiety about working with computers

    30

    Teach w/

    technology

    Perceived efficacy in teaching with technology. A high score indicates strong confidence in integrating technology in

    teaching

    10

    CONTEXT Support Perceived level of support from the administration, technical staff, and others at the school site 2

    Time To what degree adequate time is provided to plan and implement technology-supported lessons. 2

    Access Perceived easiness of access to technology resources 2

    CONTEXT: Access totechnology, administrative &

    technical support, and timefor integrating technology.

    VALUE : Beliefs about theusefulness of technology in

    teaching and learning.

    USE: Use of technology

    to support student-centered learning.

    TRAINING: Technology

    skills & teacher education

    experience. EFFICACY : Computeruser self-efficacy of

    teaching with technology.

    Fig. 1. Proposed model illustrating preservice teachers use of technology for student-centered learning.

    36 R.-J. Chen / Computers & Education 55 (2010) 3242

  • 8/9/2019 JC&E -- Teacxhers Technology

    6/11

    4.2. Measurement model

    The reliability and validity of the measurement model need to be satisfactory before proceeding to the structural model. The factor load-

    ings for the measurement model are listed in Table 4. These factor loadings indicate the relationship between a latent variable and each of

    its constituent observable indicators. The results show that the majority of the factor loadings were above 0.70, which indicated an inter-

    nally consistent measure. For CONTEXT, the factor loading of Access was low, at 0.28, in the initial model. This observation suggests the

    removal of Access from the model.

    The reliability and convergent validity of the latent variables were estimated by construct reliability and average variance extracted,

    both can be derived from the factor loadings. Specifically, construct reliability = (R standardized loading)2/[(R standardized load-

    ing)2 +Rej], where ej is the measurement error of each indicator. Average variance extracted = R (standardized loading)2/[R (standardized

    loading)2 +Rej]. The results are reported in Table 5.

    To be considered adequate, construct reliability should be at least 0.70, and average variance extracted should be at least 0.50. Based onthese guidelines, in the initial model, CONTEXT had inadequate reliability and validity because of the low factor loading ofAccess (0.28, see

    Table 4). The revised model did not include Access, and all latent variables in the revised model had satisfactory reliability and convergent

    validity.

    4.3. Model fit

    A test of model fit indicates the degree of alignment between the theorized model and the collected data. As stated in Section 3.3.2,

    various indicators should be considered to provide a broad picture of how the model matches the data. These indicators are reported in

    Table 6. The fit indicators showed a moderate fit of the initial model.

    4.4. An alternative model

    AMOS reports model modification indexes that can help increase model fit. However, any changes to the initial model should be based

    on previous research and sound theories instead of merely statistical reasons. Two changes were made to the initial model. First, a corre-lation was established between Skill and Computer Self-efficacy. The reason was that teachers with advanced technology skills tend to have

    Table 2

    Descriptive statistics of the variables and their reliabilities (n = 206).

    LATENT VARIABLE Min. Max. Mean Standard deviation Skewness Kurtosis Cronbachs aObserved indicator

    TRAINING

    Program 11 33 23.15 5.02 0.32 0.72 .83

    Skill 16 33 22.12 3.26 0.33 0.18 .90

    VALUE

    Teaching belief 19 37 28.22 4.13 0.02 0.81 .75

    Learning belief 17 34 25.70 3.92 0.03 0.76 .81

    EFFICACY

    Computer self-efficacy 50 115 82.99 12.73 0.10 0.24 .93

    Teach w/technology 17 37 27.11 4.09 0.16 0.33 .85

    CONTEXT

    Support 1 6 3.57 1.11 0.02 0.29 .88

    Time 1 8 3.98 1.37 0.26 0.38 .95

    Access 2 8 4.47 1.42 0.41 0.32 .92

    USE

    Info and data 0 4 1.55 1.18 0.28 0.82

    Presentation 0 4 1.78 1.20 0.04 0.97

    Project 0 4 1.14 0.98 0.32 0.87

    Table 3

    Intercorrelations between observed indicators (n = 206).

    Variable 1 Prog 2 Skill 3 Teach 4 Learn 5 CSF 6 TwT 7 Supp 8 Time 9 Access 10 Info 11 Pres 12 Proj

    Program

    Skill .577**

    Teaching belief .357** .318**

    Learning belief .344** .320** .589**

    Computer self-efficacy .284** .479** .299** .272**

    Teach w/technology .388** .420** .302** .323** .684**

    Support .282** .319** .229** .242** .198** .216**

    Time .341** .466** .316** .313** .308** .285** .563**

    Access .164* .205** .029 .044 .104 .167* .205** .144*

    Info and data .438** .475** .377** .375** .447** .481** .417** .599** .194**

    Presentation .506** .486** .360** .375** .489** .563** .397** .440** .335** .723**

    Project .471** .408** .332** .299** .305** .391** .271** .301** .101 .500** .580**

    Note:*

    p < .05,**

    p < .01, two-tailed.

    R.-J. Chen / Computers & Education 55 (2010) 3242 37

  • 8/9/2019 JC&E -- Teacxhers Technology

    7/11

    high self-efficacy with regard to technology integration (Ropp, 1999). Second, parsimony is another consideration for model modification. It

    is hoped that a model can explain a phenomenon using a small set of variables and relationships. In the initial model, the factor loading of

    Access to CONTEXT was low. It was removed from the initial model. Applying the above two changes to the initial model improved the

    model fit. The fit indicators are summarized in Table 6. It is apparent that the revised model had a better fit than the original model.

    The above indexes are for overall model fit. It is also necessary to examine individual components. It is possible that the fit of some por-

    tion of the model is poor despite a good overall model fit. Inspection of the residual covariances can help to identify particular observed

    associations that are poorly explained by the model. For instance, the observed covariance between Program and Skill was 9.396, and thepredicted covariance between these two variables was 9.527. The residual covariance was therefore 0.131 (9.396 9.527), which was

    0.099 when standardized. Since the size of residuals is affected by the units of the measures of the observed variables, standardized resid-

    uals were used. Table 7 contains the standardized residual covariances in the upper triangle and the observed covariances in the lower

    triangle.

    Pedhazur (1997) suggests that a standardized residual is considered large if it is greater than 2.58 in absolute value. Accordingly, the

    standardized residual covariances in Table 7 were considered small. Therefore, each component of the model was a good fit to the observed

    data.

    4.5. Structural equation model

    The revised structural equation model is shown in Fig. 2. USE was significantly determined by CONTEXT (b = 0.43, p < 0.001), VALUE

    (b = 0.18, p = 0.02), and EFFICACY (b = 0.45, p < 0.001). These three factors accounted for an R2 of 0.72, indicating that the exogenous var-

    iable, USE, could be strongly predicted. In addition, TRAINING significantly influenced VALUE (b = 0.49, p < 0.001) and EFFICACY (b = 0.60,

    p < 0.001). The correlation between the two exogenous factors, CONTEXT and TRAINING, was 0.68 with p < 0.001. That is, preservice teach-ers training in teaching with technology was highly related to how they perceived the resources and support at the school site.

    Table 4

    Factor loadings for the measurement model.

    Latent variable Indicator Standardized loading

    Initial model Revised model

    TRAINING Program .72 .74

    Skill .80 .79

    VALUE Teaching belief .77 .76

    Learning belief .77 .77

    EFFICACY Computer self-efficacy .79 .77

    Teaching w/technology .86 .89

    CONTEXT Support .69 .68

    Time .77 .80

    Access .28

    USE Info and data .82 .82

    Presentation .88 .88

    Project .64 .64

    Table 5

    Reliability and convergent validity of the latent variables.

    Latent variable Construct reliability Average variance extracted

    Initial model Revised model Initial model Revised model

    TRAINING 0.733 0.739 0.579 0.586

    VALUE 0.744 0.738 0.593 0.585

    EFFICACY 0.811 0.818 0.682 0.693

    CONTEXT 0.620 0.709 0.382 0.551

    USE 0.827 0.827 0.619 0.619

    Table 6

    Model fit indicators of the initial and revised models.

    Indicator Suggested guidelines Initial model Revised model

    v2 (p) 81.92 (.001) 41.41 (.246)

    df 47 36

    v2/df 6 3 1.74 1.15

    GFI P 0.9 0.935 0.962

    AGFI P 0.8 0.893 0.931CFI P 0.9 0.964 0.994

    SRMR 6 0.10 0.047 0.037

    RMSEA 6 0.05 0.060 0.027

    Note: df: degrees of freedom; GFI: goodness-of-fit index; AGFI: adjusted goodness-of-fit index; CFI: comparative fit index; SRMR: standardized root mean-square residual;

    RMSEA: root mean-square error of approximation. The suggested guidelines are based on Bollen (1989), Kline (2005), and Pedhazur (1997).

    38 R.-J. Chen / Computers & Education 55 (2010) 3242

  • 8/9/2019 JC&E -- Teacxhers Technology

    8/11

    4.6. Direct and indirect effects on USE

    Table 8 contains the direct and indirect effects of each of the factors on preservice teachers use of technology. EFFICACY had the stron-

    gest total effect on USE among the four factors. Thus, preservice teachers perceived confidence in using computers in general and integrat-

    ing technology in their teaching in particular was a strong determinant of their decisions to use technology to facilitate students learning

    with technology. Most of the total effect of EFFICACY on USE was a direct effect; the indirect effect mediated by VALUE was very weak.

    The school context was also an important determinant. CONTEXT, measured by preservice teachers perceived level of support and ade-quate time for technology use, had a moderate direct impact on preservice teachers providing opportunities for students to learn with

    technology.

    TRAINING did not have a direct effect on USE but a moderate indirect effect via both VALUE and EFFICACY. Thus, preservice teachers

    levels of technology skills and their teacher education experience had a moderate influence on their actual use of technology. Lastly, VALUE

    had a weak direct effect on USE. In other words, after accounting for the effects of other factors on USE, preservice teachers perceived value

    of using technology in the teaching and learning process had only a small influence on USE.

    Table 7

    Observed covariances and standardized residual covariances.

    Variable 1 Prog 2 Skill 3 Teach 4 Learn 5 CSF 6 TwT 7 Supp 8 Time 9 Info 10 Pres 11 Proj

    Program 0.099 0.293 0.086 0.745 0.050 0.827 0.765 0.424 0.941 2.130

    Skill 9.396 0.535 0.539 0.115 0.021 0.640 0.523 0.548 0.279 0.961

    Teaching belief 7.370 4.265 0.051 0.318 0.228 0.271 1.001 0.303 0.258 0.774

    Learning belief 6.732 4.068 9.488 0.066 0.027 0.425 0.933 0.248 0.087 0.306

    Computer self-efficacy 18.065 19.773 15.633 13.531 0.068 0.201 0.844 0.019 0.156 0.561

    Teach w/technology 7.930 5.570 5.077 5.145 35.433

    0.413

    0.004

    0.443 0.138

    0.121Support 1.558 1.143 1.043 1.042 2.773 0.971 0.243 0.421 0.213 0.393

    Time 2.338 2.071 1.782 1.673 5.340 1.590 0.849 0.658 0.516 0.645

    Info and data 2.590 1.824 1.834 1.730 6.700 2.313 0.543 0.805 0.032 0.288

    Presentation 3.027 1.885 1.772 1.751 7.411 2.738 0.522 0.718 1.018 0.254

    Project 2.305 1.295 1.334 1.114 3.778 1.588 0.292 0.401 0.576 0.675

    Note: Upper triangle: standardized residual covariances; lower triangle: observed covariances.

    Fig. 2. SEM model of preservice teachers use of technology with standardized parameter estimates.

    Table 8

    Direct, indirect, and total effects on USE (R2 = 0.72).

    Variable Direct effect Indirect effect Total effect

    TRAINING .36 .36

    CONTEXT .43 .43

    VALUE .18 .18

    EFFICACY .45 .03 .48

    R.-J. Chen / Computers & Education 55 (2010) 3242 39

  • 8/9/2019 JC&E -- Teacxhers Technology

    9/11

    5. Discussion and conclusion

    Although research abounds on factors influencing teachers use of technology, the current study involved SEM and contributed beyond

    confirming conventional wisdom developed over the years. Research indicates that the introductory step for computers in school is using

    them in administrative tasks and not as part of the learning process (Demetriadis et al., 2003). The current research focused on teachers

    use of technology specifically to support student-centered learning. Moreover, this study systemically analyzed a wide array of factors

    influencing preservice teachers use of the technological resources available to them. The resulting model revealed the relative importance

    of these factors in terms of their direct and mediated effects instead of merely providing a list of factors.

    5.1. Implications for teacher education

    These factors can be roughly divided into two categories, and a close relationship exists between them. First, TRAINING, VALUE, and

    EFFICACY are intrinsicto preservice teachers. They refer to preservice teachers technology skills, teacher education program experiences,

    and underlying (sometimes deeply ingrained) beliefs and perceived efficacy about teaching and learning with technology. Together, these

    three intrinsic constructs had a strong influence on preservice teachers use of technology. EFFICACY (effect size = 0.48) was the strongest

    determinant of technology use, followed by TRAINING (effect size = 0.36). VALUEs influence was weak (effect size = 0.18).

    Recall that the expectancyvalue theory stipulates that peoples perceived value and self-efficacy of performing a task determine their

    intention to do so (see Section 2.2), but the theory does not specify the relative importance of these two factors. The current study shows

    that, self-efficacy had a stronger influence than perceived value in terms of technology integration. This confirms a previous research find-

    ing that although most teachers see the value and benefits of technology in education, many do not use technology in their teaching (OTA,

    1995). Teachers perceived ability to use technology effectively and produce the desired results is a deciding factor.

    Previous research (e.g., Becker, 1994; Ertmer et al., 2006) addresses the influence of teachers training on their decisions to use technol-ogy, assuming that such influence is direct. However, the resulting model in the current study shows that the influence of TRAINING on

    preservice teachers use of technology was mediated by both VALUE and EFFICACY. This finding shows that preservice teachers perceptions

    of the benefits of ICT and their perceived efficacy of teaching with technology act as mediators that shape how preservice teachers training

    is enacted in their decisions on technology use. Indeed, the purpose of training is to help preservice teachers appreciate the value and be-

    come aware of the strengths and limitations of ICT and to boost their self-efficacy of teaching with technology, hoping to promote effective

    use of ICT for students meaningful learning.

    Another category includes factors that are extrinsicto preservice teachers. The construct CONTEXT refers to preservice teachers percep-

    tions about the instructional resources (technological equipment, time, and support) available at the school site. This factor had a moderate

    influence on preservice teachers use of technology (effect size = 0.43). However, it is nave to assume that as long as adequate resources

    and support are provided to teachers, technology integration would follow (Ertmer, 2005), as other factors can be involved. Indeed, the

    results of the study show that the correlation between CONTEXT and TRANING was 0.68. This high correlation indicates that preservice

    teachers levels of technology skills and their teacher education experience are related to how they perceive the resources and support

    at the school site. Preservice teachers who have significant amount of training may not consider lack of adequate equipment, time, and

    support as deterrents; it is possible that they have skills and positive dispositions to better overcome the challenges in technology inte-gration than teachers who have limited amount of training in technology.

    The high correlation between CONTEXT and TRAINING also implies that efforts to prepare new teachers to use technology effectively

    should synchronize coursework with field experiences. A possible gap can exist between these two venues; preservice teachers with ade-

    quate training in ICT in coursework may not be placed in a supported student teaching site that facilitates effective use of ICT in lessons. If

    possible, teacher education providers should seek out field sites with ample technology resources and supports. Dexter and Riedel (2003)

    argued that teacher education programs should set high expectations for preservice teachers use of technology during student teaching

    and that both cooperating teachers and university supervisors need preparation to know how to facilitate student teachers technology

    integration.

    Since preservice teachers work very closely with their cooperating teachers during student teaching, teacher education programs can

    deliberately train cooperating teachers so they can provide necessary support and facilitate technology integration. Dexter and Riedel

    (2003) suggested three approaches: (a) developing cooperating teachers expertise through workshops, (b) encouraging cooperating teach-

    ers to plan technology projects with preservice teachers, and (c) implementing field-based faculty modeling that involves concrete exam-

    ples of technology integrated into curriculum. Together, these approaches can help boost preservice teachers beliefs and self-efficacy of

    integrating technology in their teaching, which are shown in this study to mediate technology use.

    Moreover, Russell, Bebell, ODwyer, and OConnor (2003) suggested that preparing teachers, both preservice and inservice, to use tech-

    nology should focus on specificinstructional uses of technology rather than on familiarizing them with technology in general. As discussed

    in Sections 1 and 2, commentators often treat teachers use of technology as one generic construct rather than a complex phenomenon. Due

    to the multi-dimensional nature of technology use, it will be effective if teacher education providers distinguish various types of technology

    uses and articulate each use. In particular, the current study investigates preservice teachers use of technology to support student-center

    learning, and thus an implication for teacher education is that effort to train preservice teachers to use technology can focus on designing

    and implementing technology-supported projects where students use technology in their learning. For example, this particular manner of

    technology use in mathematics education is the focus in the edited book by Masalski and Elliott (2005). Preservice teachers can benefit

    from seeing how technology can be specifically integrated and become immanent in the curriculum, not as an addition to existing lessons.

    5.2. Limitations and implications for future research

    A limitation of the current study is that self-report scales were used to measure the variables for analysis. The results can be biased

    because the participants might give socially desirable responses, especially when the researchers were course instructors. The second lim-itation pertains to the particular group of preservice teachers in the study. Rather than random sampling, a convenient sample was used. A

    40 R.-J. Chen / Computers & Education 55 (2010) 3242

  • 8/9/2019 JC&E -- Teacxhers Technology

    10/11

    description of the characteristics of the participating teachers is provided in Section 3.2. Research involving both similar and different tea-

    cher characteristics can be conducted to exhaust this line of enquiry so that we can gain a deeper and broader understanding of the

    phenomenon.

    Another limitation of the current study is that CONTEXT did not address the soft aspect of the social and contextual factors in teachers

    daily decision making regarding technology integration in their teaching.Cuban (1986, 2001) has developed a construct, situationally con-

    strained choice, for understanding classroom teachers decisions on classroom strategies and in particular on technology use. He argues

    that teachers decision making is strongly shaped by school and classroom settings, including school schedules, curriculum, and the culture

    of teaching. Teachers also take a very practical stance toward what to do and how to do things in order for them to survive in the class-room. In fact, Cubans review of the history of the diffusion of technology in American schools has suggested that teachers practical and

    tacit knowledge plays a fundamental role in their decisions about adopting new instructional strategies and technology.

    Thus, future research can include these considerations. Specifically, Cubans notion of teachers situationally constrained choice can be

    a latent variable, which is particular suited to a SEM analysis. It is not possible to capture validly and reliably such a complex construct with

    a single observable variable. Instead, this latent variable can include multiple indicators such as preservice teachers perceptions about the

    curriculum standards and pacing guides they need to address, the types of lessons they are expected to teach (seeHenning et al., 2006), and

    their perceptions about students. Indeed, SEM allows for testing of alternative models that can adequately stipulate the relationships

    among variables and to what extent each variable influences or mediates the effects of other variables. Pedhazur (1997) emphasizes the

    importance of testing alternative models because researchers cannot exclude the explanations they have not considered. However, formu-

    lation of meaningful alternative models should be based on theories rather than assumptions.

    To summarize, the study addressed two limitations of previous research. First, the study involved a SEM analysis of factors that influ-

    ence preservice teachers adoption of ICT. It sought to unveil the relative weights of these intercorrelated factors rather than merely iden-

    tifying a list of significant factors. Second, preservice teachers use of technology was specifically defined as facilitating a student-centered

    approach to teaching. However, the concealed nature of teachers belief systems and the complexity of classroom context bring challenges

    and limitations to the study. A few strategies for future research are provided to overcome these challenges and limitations and to increase

    our understanding of teachers decision making concerning the educational use of technology. Such an understanding is crucial for improv-

    ing the learning experience of preservice teachers in a teacher education program.

    Teachers have been blamed by technology proponents for resisting or slow adopting technology in teaching (Ferneding, 2003). Indeed,

    commentators of teachers learning to teach with technology can have a pathological tone. In particular, technology-using teachers are re-

    garded as normal and healthy. Teachers who doubt or resist technology are seen as anomalies who need to be treated. What is missing

    in this pathological approach to studying teachers process of technology adoption is a genuine and multi-dimensional understanding of

    the complexity of such a process. The present study addresses this process from a specific perspective by utilizing a SEM analysis. This vi-

    sion is partial and needs to be complemented by others. It is by no means sufficient to account for the complicated phenomenon under

    study. To integrate ICT in their teaching, some teachers will have thought through issues and reached a mature decision after due thought.

    Others, however, will have made the choice by clutching at recommendations ready-made by technology proponents, who may have par-

    ticular political and commercial agendas in education. Such a difference in teachers rationality is not discernable by the SEM model in the

    current study. Research framed in different methodologies (such as qualitative case study, autobiography, phenomenological research, and

    so on) can be conducted to explore the multiplicity of the meanings of teachers technology adoption. Only through multiple perspectives

    can we forsake a narrowed way of understanding teachers work and life and adopt a more open-minded approach to teacher education.

    References

    Baek, Y., Jung, J., & Kim, B. (2008). What makes teachers use technology in the classroom? Exploring the factors affecting facilitation of technology with a Korean sample.Computers & Education, 50, 224234.

    Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84, 191215.Bauer, J., & Kenton, J. (2005). Toward technology integration in the schools: Why it isnt happening. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 13(4), 519546.Becker, H. J. (1994). How exemplary computer-using teachers differ from other teachers: Implications for realizing the potential of computers in schools. Journal of Research in

    Computing in Education, 26(3), 291321.Bollen, K. A. (1989). Structural equations with latent variables. New York: John Wiley & Sons.British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta). (2009). Leading next generation learning. Accessed 02.03.2009.Bullock, D. (2004). Moving from theory to practice: An examination of the factors that preservice teachers encounter as they attempt to gain experience teaching with

    technology during field placement experiences. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 12(2), 211237.Cassidy, S., & Eachus, P. (2002). Developing the Computer User Self-Efficacy (CUSE) scale: Investigating the relationship between computer self-efficacy, gender and

    experience with computers. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 26(2), 133153.Chen, C.-H. (2008). Why do teachers not practice what they believe regarding technology integration? Journal of Educational Research, 102(1), 6575.

    Chen, R.-J., & Ferneding, K. (2003). Technology as a heuristic: How pre-service teachers learn to think about mathematics instruction using technology. In C. Crawford, N.Davis, J. Price, & R. Webber (Eds.), Proceedings of the fourteenth annual meeting of the society for information technology & teacher education (pp. 34413444). Norfolk, VA:Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.

    Chen, Y.-L. (2008). Modeling the determinants of Internet use. Computers & Education, 51, 545558.Clausen, J. M. (2007). Beginning teachers technology use: First-year teacher development and the institutional contexts affect on new teachers instructional technology use

    with students. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 39 (3), 245261.Cuban, L. (1986). Teachers and machines: The classroom use of technology since 1920. New York: Teachers College Press.Cuban, L. (2001). Oversold and underused: Computers in the classroom. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.Czerniak, C., Lumpe, A., Haney, J., & Beck, J. (1999). Teachers beliefs about using educational technology in the science classroom. International Journal of Educational

    Technology, 1(2), 118.David, F. D., Bagozzi, R. P., & Warshaw, P. R. (1989). User acceptance of computer technology: A comparison of two theoretical models. Management Science, 35(8), 9821003.Demetriadis, S., Barbas, A., Molohides, A., Palaigeorgiou, G., Psillos, D., Vlahavas, I., et al. (2003). Cultures in negotiation: Teachers acceptance/resistance attitudes

    considering the infusion of technology into schools. Computers & Education, 41(1), 1937.Dexter, S., & Riedel, E. (2003). Why improving preservice teacher educational technology preparation must go beyond colleges walls. Journal of Teacher Education, 54(4),

    334346.Drent, M., & Meelissen, M. (2008). Which factors obstruct or stimulate teacher educators to use ICT innovatively? Computers & Education, 51, 187199.Ertmer, P. A. (2005). Teacher pedagogical beliefs: The final frontier in our quest for technology integration? Educational Technology Research and Development, 53(4), 2539.Ertmer, P. A., Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A., & York, C. S. (2006). Exemplary technology-using teachers: Perceptions of factors influencing success. Journal of Computing in Teacher

    Education, 23(2), 5561.

    Feather, N. T. (1982). Expectations and actions: Expectancyvalue models in psychology. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.Ferneding, K. (2003). Questioning technology: Electronic technologies and educational reform. New York: Peter Lang.

    R.-J. Chen / Computers & Education 55 (2010) 3242 41

    http://www.becta.org.uk/http://www.becta.org.uk/
  • 8/9/2019 JC&E -- Teacxhers Technology

    11/11

    Franklin, C. (2007). Factors that influence elementary teachers use of computers. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 15(2), 267293.Freidhoff, J. R. (2008). Reflecting on the affordances and constraints of technologies and their impact on pedagogical goals. Journal of Computing in Teacher Education, 24(4),

    117122.Guerrero, S., Walker, N., & Dugdale, S. (2004). Technology in support of middle grade mathematics: What have we learned? Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science

    Teaching, 23(1), 520.Harrison, C., Comber, C., Fisher, T., Haw, K., Lewin, C., Lunzer, E., et al. (2002). Impact2: The impact of information and communication technologies on pupil learning and

    attainment. Coventry, UK: Becta.Henning, J. E., Robinson, V. L., Herring, M. C., & McDonald, T. (2006). Integrating technology during student teaching: An examination of teacher work samples. Journal of

    Computing in Teacher Education, 23(2), 7176.Hermans, R., Tondeur, J., van Braak, J., & Valcke, M. (2008). The impact of primary school teachers educational beliefs on the classroom use of computers. Computers &

    Education, 51(4), 14991509.Higgins, T. E., & Spitulnik, M. W. (2008). Supporting teachers use of technology in science instruction through professional development: A literature review. Journal of Science

    Education and Technology, 17, 511521.Hu, P. J.-H., Clark, T. H. K., & Ma, W. W. (2003). Examining technology acceptance by school teachers: A longitudinal study. Information & Management, 41, 227241.International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) (2008). National Educational Technology Standards. Accessed

    12.06.2009.Kline, R. B. (2005). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.Lim, C. P., & Chai, C. S. (2008). Teachers pedagogical beliefs and their planning and conduct of computer-mediated classroom lessons. British Journal of Educational Technology,

    39(5), 807828.Masalski, W. J., & Elliott, P. C. (2005). Technology-supposed mathematics learning environment: NCTM sixty-seven yearbook. Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of

    Mathematics.McGinnis, J. R., Kramer, S., Shama, G., Graeber, A. O., Parker, C. A., & Watanabe, T. (2002). Undergraduates attitudes and beliefs about subject matter and pedagogy measured

    periodically in a reform-based mathematics and science teacher preparation program. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 39(8), 713737.Mims, C., Polly, D., Shepherd, C., & Inan, F. (2006). Examining PT3 projects designed to improve preservice education. TechTrends, 50(3), 1624.Norton, S., McRobbie, C., & Cooper, T. (2000). Exploring secondary mathematics teachers reasons for not using computers in their teaching: Five case studies. Journal of

    Research on Computing in Education, 33(1), 87109.Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) (1995). Teachers and technology: Making the connection. (GPO Rep. No. 052003-014092). Washington, DC: United States Congress

    Report.Pedhazur, E. J. (1997). Multiple regression in behavioral research (3rd ed.). Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace.Ropp, M. (1999). Exploring individual characteristics associated with learning to use computers in pre-service teacher preparation. Journal of Research on Computing in

    Education, 31(4), 402424.Russell, M., Bebell, D., ODwyer, L., & OConnor, K. (2003). Examing teacher technology use: Implications for preservice and inservice teacher preparation. Journal of Teacher

    Education, 54(4), 297310.Sandholtz, J. H., & Reilly, B. (2004). Teachers, not technicians: Rethinking technical expectations for teachers. Teachers College Record, 106(3), 487512.Schmidt, M. (1999). Middle grade teachers beliefs about calculator use: Pre-project and two years later. Focus on Learning Problems in Mathematics, 21(1), 1834.Schrum, L. (1999). Technology professional development for teachers. Educational Technology Research and Development, 47(4), 8390.Smith, P., Rudd, P., & Coghlan, M. (2008). Harnessing Technology: Schools Survey 2008

    Accessed 12.01.2009.Tearle, P. (2003). ICT implementation: What makes the difference? British Journal of Educational Technology, 34(5), 567583.Teo, T. (2009). Modeling technology acceptance in education: A study of pre-service teachers. Computers & Education, 52, 302312.Tondeur, J., Valcke, M., & van Braak, J. (2008). A multidimensional approach to determinants of computer use in primary education: Teacher and school characteristics.Journal

    of Computer Assisted Learning, 24, 494506.Wang, Y.-S., Wu, M.-C., & Wang, H.-Y. (2009). Investigating the determinants and age and gender differences in the acceptance of mobile learning. British Journal of Educational

    Technology, 40(1), 92118.Wigfield, A. (1994). Expectancyvalue theory of achievement motivation: A developmental perspective. Educational Psychology Review, 6, 4978.Wozney, L., Venkatesh, V., & Abrami, P. C. (2006). Implementing computer technologies: Teachers perceptions and practices. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education,

    14(1), 173207.

    42 R.-J. Chen / Computers & Education 55 (2010) 3242

    http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=NETShttp://partners.becta.org.uk/index.php?section=rh&catcode=_re_rp_02&rid=15952http://partners.becta.org.uk/index.php?section=rh&catcode=_re_rp_02&rid=15952http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=NETS