Examining Technology Perception of Social Studies Teachers with Rogers’ Diffusion Model

Ozkan Akman,Erol Kocoglu

doi:10.5539/ies.v10n1p39

Abstract

Mobile learning has started to take place in education literature with the developing technology, and this technology started to have an increasing spread along with its advantages. This study examines the responses of social studies teachers to the innovations in the field of mobile learning. The study was designed within the framework of theory of diffusion of innovations by Rogers and 161 social studies teachers have participated in it. Data was collected by m-Learning Adoption Scale (MLAS) which is developed by Celik and analyzed in SPSS 18.0 package program. According to the results of this study, approximately 65% of social science teachers are within the groups that give the most positive response to diffusion of innovations theory on mobile learning (innovators, early adopters, and early majority). Also, the characteristics of mobile learning have a descriptive impact on the teachers’ ability to embrace the innovations about mobile learning and to give positive decisions on using it. The study has suggested to develop new reactions for innovations and to develop the mobile learning content through collaborative approach by all the stakeholders in education.

Highlights

Since the first human beings detected on earth, it is seen that humanity has searched for and discovered all types of opportunities and inventions and this helped knowledge to grow up
When we look at diffusion of innovations theory, we see that it is based on adaptation of an innovation, its mechanism and the assumption whether this innovation will be helpful or not
The m-Learning Adoption Scale (MLAS) includes four sections based on the Diffusion of Innovations Theory (Rogers, 2003):

Summary

Introduction

Since the first human beings detected on earth, it is seen that humanity has searched for and discovered all types of opportunities and inventions and this helped knowledge to grow up This development has created the human civilization and anything that humanity pursued, researched and invented has become a part of the history as an item of technology during its time period. The usability and indispensability of computer and Internet in every part of human life has become a matter of argumentation Within this context, the development of computer and related technologies has improved the nature of learning and teaching; providing new sources for these fields (Hill & Hannafin, 2001). Technology usage remains limited with word processors and electronic e-mails (Surry, 2000)

Mobile Learning

Methods

Research Instrument

Data Analysis

Findings