Teacher Attitude and Preparation for Technology Innovation: A Case Study of 1:1 Laptop Initiative

Abstract

The success of one-to-one laptop learning initiative in a school largely depends on support and acceptance by teachers. Teacher's technological skills also play an important role in the implementation of one-to-one laptop learning initiative. This research, conducted in a middle school located in Beijing, China, investigated teacher attitude and technology preparation for the upcoming one-to-one laptop learning initiative. Research data were collected by interviews and surveys during the training before the commencement of the initiative. According to the data, most teachers acknowledged the effectiveness of laptop to teaching and learning, and showed great enthusiasm toward the technology innovation. Meanwhile, some doubts were expressed toward new pedagogy and class management strategies. And there existed attitude difference between different subject teachers. Based on the surveys, most teachers were familiar with only one specific operating system and can use PC proficiently. The findings of this research provide valuable planning framework and suggestions for the schools and educators that want to launch one-to-one laptop learning initiative.