Technology Adoption: A Different Perspective in a Developing Country

Abstract

Learner-centred teaching is challenging educators to rethink their teaching methods and their perceptions as to how the learner learns. Using technology in collaboration with face-to-face instruction is becoming necessary, but educators have to take into account the different styles of teaching and the learners involved in this learning. This type of teaching requires: a change in the educator's method of teaching and learning; an amount of time needed to learn how to use the technology; the identification of models that work with technology. Further, it must be noted that educators who have access to technology and have the computer competence may still not use computers for teaching and learning. The authors argue that the reason for this may lie with educators’ perceptions. This paper examines some of the reasons why educators may not be willing to integrate technology into their teaching and learning even though access and competence is not an issue. The results show that at least 84% of teachers in this sample who do not have an issue with access and computer competence are still not using technology in their teaching and learning. The authors argue that the reasons lie with the educators’ perceptions and their goals and therefore the need to understand perceptual control theory.