Learning Resources - Diversity 5.04

5.04 Technophobia. List at least three ways to overcome what might be called "computer anxiety" or "technophobia" (especially among educators).

Introduction:

Thirty to forty percent of the American population has a fear of technology. These individuals are certain that they will break the VCR or computer. They fell nervous, awkward, overwhelmed, upset, and dumb around technology. However, in many ways these people successfully use technology everyday. Technology that they have grown up with does not frighten them such as their telephone, car or TV. On the other hand, advertisements show computers doing miraculous things in every facet of our lives. An IBM add campaign shows French fisherman, nuns in a convent, and an elderly Italian women all using IBM computers and the Internet to check sports scores, make Web pages, and sell goods. While this may be seen as an egalitarian vision of the use of technology, the average American is left feeling they are technology illiterate. It is more common that a person does not know how to use a computer, let alone surf the Web. Your job is to show technophobes that is safe to explore the world of computers.

Your Job:

  1. Use the details provided below to create a product that addresses and demonstrates mastery of this competency.
  2. Use the stepwise process listed under Your Portfolio to display the completed product in your ITSC portfolio.

    Product Details:

    • Discuss issues of technology anxiety.
    •  Describe common fears in the approach and reaction to computer-based technologies.
    • Within your discussion cite research as a foundation for the points that you make.
    • Identify specific computer-based technologies and discuss technophobias that are supported by research.
    • List at least three ways to overcome what might be called "computer anxiety" or "technophobia" (especially among educators)

Your Portfolio:

  1. FTP your completed product for this competency to the "5divers" folder within the web-based portfolio template provided.
  2. Click here to view the "Design" page in the portfolio template.
  3. Download the "Design" page from your ftp folder.
  4. Locate 5.04 Technophobia on the "Design" page.
  5. Under "5.04 Technophobia" locate this sentence..."To view the evidence that I offer for this competency, please click here."
  6. Link the word "here" to your product.
  7. Delete the old "Design" page in your ftp folder.
  8. Upload your revised "Design" page.
  9. Submit the URL for your completed product in the student database.

Related Resources:

  • Leadership in Instructional Technology. Mathew M. Mauer & George S. Davidson.
    • Type of resource: Book (hard copy)
    • Source: Upper Saddle River, N.J. Merrill, c1998.
    • Description: Constructivist and developmentally appropriate learning theories are the underpinnings of this engaging book. After reading this book, principals, teachers, and technology specialists cannot help but to view teaching and technology in a new light. Issues covered: planning, funding, leadership, staff development, shared goals, censorship, and software evaluation.
  • Byting Back: Is Technophobia Keeping You Off the Internet?
    • Type of resource: Web site
    • Source: http://www.csudh.edu/psych/OTI.htm
    • Description: "OnTheInternet" spoke recently with Drs. Weil and Rosen, two experts on technophobia, to determine exactly what technophobia is; how it transcends age, gender, and cultural barriers; and what can be done to overcome it.
  • Assessing and Managing Technostress
    • Type of resource: Web site
    • Source: http://www2.una.edu/psychology/alatalk.htm
    • Description: A talk given by Richard A. Hudiburg, Ph.D. at the session "Collaborative Solutions to Technostress: Librarians Lead the Way." In this talk, the concept of stress is defined, the "Computer Hassles Scale" is introduced, and coping strategies are reviewed.
  • Technology-assisted instruction and instructor cyberphobia: recognizing the ways to effect change.
    • Type of resource: Web site
    • Source: http://www.kdinc.com/search1.htm
    • Description: This paper articulates the behavioral challenges facing the drive towards multimedia instruction and suggests ways in which to over-come instructor phobia. The article introduces a typology of personal roles relating technology awareness to technology use in classrooms as a starting point in understanding instructor phobia. The article also suggests generic strategies for instructors with varying levels of technology awareness.
  • COMPUTER ANXIETY
    • Type of resource: Web site
    • Source: http://www.usm.maine.edu/~com/lindap~1.htm
    • Description: This Web site provides a basic introduction to computer anxiety. There are links to supporting research and papers, as well as a review of coping strategies.
  • Prescription for Technophobia. Kirk Kassner.
    • Type of resource: Article (hard copy)
    • Source: Music Educators Journal. v75 n3. p18021 Nov 1988.
    • Description: States that teachers' fear of using computers and electronic Technology in music education may prevent students from reaching their full potential. Includes suggestions for the diagnosis and cure of technophobia.
  • Age and Staff Development Experience with Computers as Factors Affecting Teacher Attitudes Toward Computers. Clarice Gressard and Brenda Loyd.
    • Type of resource: Article (hard copy)
    • Source: School Science and mathematics. v85 n3. March 1985.
    • Description: Examines a study that shows how staff development can reduce technophobia.
  • A Survey of Age and Attitudes Toward Computers. David C. Morric.
    • Type of resource: Article (hard copy)
    • Source: Journal of Educational Technology Systems. v17 n1. p73-78 1988-89.
    • Description: This study examines the relationship between age, education, sex, and household income, and attitudes toward computers.

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