A Cross-Cultural Validation of the Selwyn’s Computer Attitude Scale

1. Introduction

Technology has become an integral part of teaching and learning. With increased usage of instructional technology, web-based instructional resources like the electronic textbooks are slowly making their way into the higher education system. Given its increased use, it is important to understand the influence that computers has on students’ attitudes toward learning. An important aspect in the successful implementation of technology in teaching and learning is user acceptance, which is influenced by users’ attitude towards computers (Teo, 2008). Various studies have addressed the issue of students’ attitude toward instructional technology and specifically toward computer technology and technologically-enriched learning environments (Drennan, Kennedy, & Pisarski, 2005; Hahne, Benndorf, Frey, & Herzig, 2005). For this reason, students’ attitudes toward computers have been studied with different samples and instruments by many researchers since the 1980s. Attitude has been found to be a predictor of the adoption of new technologies by users at various levels, such as young students (Teo & Noyes, 2008), post-secondary school students (Teo, 2006), and pre-service teachers (Teo, Lee, & Chai, 2008).

Over the last few years a considerable body of literature has been written to explain the numerous variables found to have an influence on computer attitudes. These included computer anxiety, computer stress, perceptions of computers, and computer proficiency (Crable, Brodzinski, & Scherer, 1991; Gardner, Discenza, & Dukes, 1993; Hudiburg, Brown, & Jones, 1993; Igbaria & Chakrabarti, 1990; Kay, 1993; Loyd & Gressard, 1984; Maurer, 1994; Nickell & Pinto, 1986; Pope-Davis & Twing, 1991; Teo & Noyes, 2008; Woodrow, 1991). This broad array of research is multi-disciplinary and incorporates a wide variety of perspectives and topics. However, at its foundation, the above research was directed at examining the effect of attitude in influencing a person’s ability to use a computer efficiently.

The attitudes and feelings involved with computers are difficult to identify. As the role of the computer expands and increases in our education system, it is crucial that educators are aware of how attitudes toward computers affect the way our students learn with computers. Recent years, researchers have found close relationships between computer attitudes and other variables. Of these, the most crucial is the positive relationship between computer attitudes and computer usage. No matter how sophisticated and powerful the state of technology is, the extent to which it is implemented depends on users having a positive attitude toward it (Huang & Liaw, 2005). This is consistent with Teo (2006) who suggested that negative attitudes toward computers may exist, and could be a deterrent to using computers in the learning environment. When students respond positively to computers, they tend to master the necessary skills quickly. Conversely, for students who find the using the computer to be an unpleasant and anxious experience, mastering the appropriate skills could prove to be difficult. This anxiety may take the form of hostility, fear, and/or resistance; these are attitudes, which may inhibit the acquisition of computer skills much as mathematics anxiety can inhibit achievement in this subject (Yildirim, 2000). It appears that, students’ attitudes towards and acceptance of computer technology, as well as learning about computers, may be important in the integration of electronic technologies in the classroom, workplace, and home.