The diffusion of computer-based technology in K-12 schools: Teachers' perspectives

John Louis Colandrea, Fordham University

Abstract

Because computer technology represents a major financial outlay for school districts and is an efficient method of preparing and delivering lessons, studying the process of teacher adoption of computer use is beneficial and adds to the current body of knowledge. Because the teacher is the ultimate user of computer technology for lesson preparation and delivery, it is important to understand what motivates teacher computer technology use. As teachers are responsible for implementing computer technology use and computer technology is considered to be an innovation, Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory was used to understand the process of teacher adoption of computer technology use. The findings from this research provided information on the demographics of teachers and schools as well as how leadership and teacher attributes influence the job satisfaction of teachers related to technology use, the effective use of computer technology in lesson planning, the effective use of computer technology in positively affecting students, and compatibility with traditional teaching methods. This study suggests that teacher attributes, school attributes, leadership, and teacher qualities are all important in promoting computer technology use by teachers in lesson preparation and delivery.

Subject Area

Educational leadership|Educational technology

Recommended Citation

Colandrea, John Louis, "The diffusion of computer-based technology in K-12 schools: Teachers' perspectives" (2012). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI3518848.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI3518848

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