Open Access Article
Preservice Early Childhood Teachers’ Self-efficacy and Outcome Expectancy for ICT Integration in Science Instruction
Bowling Green State University
Published in: Education Research and Perspectives, Volume 39, 2012, Pages 90-103;
DOI: 10.70953/ERPv39.12005
Abstract
Although research on the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) with science instruction has identified significant benefits to students and teachers, K-12 teachers tend to underutilize ICT in their science instruction. This study used a quasi-experimental design to measure preservice early childhood teachers’ attitudes (self-efficacy and outcome expectancy) toward the integration of technology into their science instruction before and after curricular intervention during their science methods course. Both the treatment and control groups showed significant positive change in their self-efficacy scores at the end of the course. Only the treatment group, however, showed a significant positive change in outcome expectancy. Previous research has shown that outcome expectancy is resistant to change as a result of instruction. In light of the results of this study, implications for the instruction of preservice teachers in the use of educational technology to teach science are discussed, as are considerations for future research.