Examining teachers' attitudes/perceptions and their influence on behaviour can be an important step in understanding the psychosocial factors affecting teachers' use of Information and Communication Technology in teaching. This study attempted to provide such an understanding by elaborating Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour (TPB), a widely applied psychosocial theory in modeling behaviours. Basically, TPB explains a behaviour as a consequence of attitude towards the behaviour, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. These three direct factors of TPB are, in turn, influenced by salient beliefs or indirect factors: behavioural, normative, and control beliefs, respectively. In this study, the TPB was modified by (1) decomposing each of the three types of beliefs into two dimensions respectively, and (2) incorporating external variables – age, sex, subject taught, teaching experience, teaching period, qualification, level of class, classroom access, and computer laboratory access. Using these predictor variables, an Information and Communication Technology Use Model (ICTUM) was developed for assessment and comparison in performance with the TPB. Using a survey questionnaire, data were collected from a total of 1,040 secondary school teachers in eighteen government schools in Negara Brunei Darussalam. Structural equation modeling, using AMOS 5.0 software, was employed as the major statistical analytic technique for a series of data analyses: measurement model assessment for validity and reliability tests; and assessments of the models, ICTUM and TPB. The proposed model, ICTUM, was found to fit only marginally and the modification efforts through beliefs decomposition and external variables incorporation provided only a small increase in the amounts of variance explained by the predictor variables. However, the TPB model of direct factors was found to be a good-fitting model showing attitude towards behaviour, and perceived behavioural control; as predictors of intention; and intention as a stronger predictor of use of ICT than perceived behavioural control. By demonstrating the significance of those factors as predictors of intention and use of ICT, this study suggests that augmenting teachers' positive attitudes towards the use of ICT and supporting them technically and personally could encourage teachers to increase the use of ICT in their teaching. This study also suggested a need for future research on the direct influence of salient beliefs on intention, and behaviour (use of ICT) respectively. Although the TPB model is theoretically and statistically justifiable, further testing with different samples is required. Through its use of a theoretical and statistical modeling approach, the current study represents an initial step towards uncovering fundamental mechanisms that explain teacher use of ICT in teaching.

For future generations to maximise their capability to operate within technologically driven economies, it is critical to foster computer abilities at every level of the schooling process. Teachers are central to this process. Yet, for many teachers, the need to integrate computer use in their teaching is threatening and overwhelming. This thesis argues that, given the rapid rate of technological change, skills-based approaches to computer education inadequately prepare teachers for a career of continued technological change. Effective computer education for teachers requires more than skills training. It involves changes in attitudes, values and beliefs that provide confidence for ongoing learning. Furthermore, it involves learning to adapt to change, to be flexible, intuitive and above all persistent. It requires the fostering of teachers who know how to be self-directed and independent in their computer learning, rather than those dependent on structured routines or guidelines. This thesis is the ‘story’ of an action research initiative underpinned by a belief in the importance of approaches to computer education which foster lifelong computer learning. It traces the journey of a reflexive process of change and iterative development in the teaching of an educational information technology (computer) unit to pre-service teacher education students. Over a period of three years (1999-2001) I pursued a central research question, namely: How can I develop my teaching practice to better facilitate the development of capable computer users? The research explores the distinction between a ‘competent’ and a ‘capable’ computer user and trials a range of teaching and learning approaches that aim to facilitate the development of capable computer users.From this constructivist research and teaching process a multidimensional approach to computer education emerged, founded on metacognition and reflection. This approach is demonstrated to offer many advantages over a skills-focused approach. This thesis maps the complexity of the computer learning and teaching context, arguing that simplistic approaches to teaching will produce narrow and limited learning outcomes. Rather, a holistic approach is proposed, one that moves beyond the development of computer competency toward a longer term vision of facilitating computer capability. It is argued that the role of the computer ‘teacher’ is to foster reflective awareness and develop a learning environment that can assist computer learners to become comfortable existing on the ‘edge of chaos’.This research supports previous studies which indicate the important role of computer self efficacy and the influence of factors such as perceived usefulness, anxiety, support and frequency and duration of use. However, the research also documents the unpredictable influence of these factors on individuals’ resultant approach to computers and challenges dichotomous interpretations of such factors. Appropriate attribution is also shown to be a major influence on computer capability, as are factors such as help-seeking, motivation and goal-setting, although again, these influences are non-linear. It is argued that computer capability cannot be ‘taught’ but, rather, computer educators should look to creating environments where its emergence can be facilitated. The metacognitive computer learning context developed and explored through this research is one such approach.

The impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is a significant issue in today's tourism industry. The development of the internet has made information easily accessible to consumers, and has therefore established a direct link between consumers and suppliers. As a result, traditional travel distribution channels are changing rapidly. A major feature of this change is "disintermediation", with principals such as airlines, hotels and rental car chains bypassing intermediaries and sell directly to consumers. Travel agents (TAs) are considered to be particularly vulnerable to this process. ICTs have the potential to replace their core competencies, which include transaction processing (ticketing and settlement) and information provision (raw product information provided by suppliers).This thesis focuses on the impact of ICTs on the TA sector, and specifically on the New Zealand TA case. A theoretical approach based on regulation theory combined with a mixed method approach was used to investigate the main issues in New Zealand. The research included a case study to identify the principal issues and trends in the TA sector, in-depth interviews with TAs and industry specialists to refine the main issues and allow the formulation of some theoretical assumptions, in-depth interviews with consumers regarding the role of TAs in the internet era and the quality of service they provide, and a fully-structured, national on-line survey of TAs to verify the assumptions made in the earlier interviews and test the applicability of the post-Fordism model for the New Zealand TA sector.Based on the findings, it is argued that disintermediation is particularly pronounced in the relationship between airlines and travel agents. To minimise the risk of disintermediation and improve business performance, TAs need to reposition themselves and review their core strategies to compete efficiently in the changing business environment. The thesis reveals that consumers perceive TAs as mainly "transaction facilitators". Nevertheless the thesis show that process of "reintermediation" is a reality for some New Zealand TAs.An application of regulation theory to the New Zealand TA case reveals that in its traditional form, the regulation theory cannot explain the complexities found in the modern TA environment. The thesis reveals several distinct modes in TA perceptions of their business environment and their survival strategies, which indicates a heterogeneous, clustered population. A "formula for success" is developed for TAs in New Zealand. In this respect, TAs that perceive ICT as a strategic tool and are orientated towards consumers appear to have a business advantage.

For future generations to maximise their capability to operate within technologically driven economies, it is critical to foster computer abilities at every level of the schooling process. Teachers are central to this process. Yet, for many teachers, the need to integrate computer use in their teaching is threatening and overwhelming. This thesis argues that, given the rapid rate of technological change, skills-based approaches to computer education inadequately prepare teachers for a career of continued technological change. Effective computer education for teachers requires more than skills training. It involves changes in attitudes, values and beliefs that provide confidence for ongoing learning. Furthermore, it involves learning to adapt to change, to be flexible, intuitive and above all persistent. It requires the fostering of teachers who know how to be self-directed and independent in their computer learning, rather than those dependent on structured routines or guidelines. This thesis is the ‘story’ of an action research initiative underpinned by a belief in the importance of approaches to computer education which foster lifelong computer learning. It traces the journey of a reflexive process of change and iterative development in the teaching of an educational information technology (computer) unit to pre-service teacher education students. Over a period of three years (1999-2001) I pursued a central research question, namely: How can I develop my teaching practice to better facilitate the development of capable computer users? The research explores the distinction between a ‘competent’ and a ‘capable’ computer user and trials a range of teaching and learning approaches that aim to facilitate the development of capable computer users.From this constructivist research and teaching process a multidimensional approach to computer education emerged, founded on metacognition and reflection. This approach is demonstrated to offer many advantages over a skills-focused approach. This thesis maps the complexity of the computer learning and teaching context, arguing that simplistic approaches to teaching will produce narrow and limited learning outcomes. Rather, a holistic approach is proposed, one that moves beyond the development of computer competency toward a longer term vision of facilitating computer capability. It is argued that the role of the computer ‘teacher’ is to foster reflective awareness and develop a learning environment that can assist computer learners to become comfortable existing on the ‘edge of chaos’.This research supports previous studies which indicate the important role of computer self efficacy and the influence of factors such as perceived usefulness, anxiety, support and frequency and duration of use. However, the research also documents the unpredictable influence of these factors on individuals’ resultant approach to computers and challenges dichotomous interpretations of such factors. Appropriate attribution is also shown to be a major influence on computer capability, as are factors such as help-seeking, motivation and goal-setting, although again, these influences are non-linear. It is argued that computer capability cannot be ‘taught’ but, rather, computer educators should look to creating environments where its emergence can be facilitated. The metacognitive computer learning context developed and explored through this research is one such approach.

Examining teachers' attitudes/perceptions and their influence on behaviour can be an important step in understanding the psychosocial factors affecting teachers' use of Information and Communication Technology in teaching. This study attempted to provide such an understanding by elaborating Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour (TPB), a widely applied psychosocial theory in modeling behaviours. Basically, TPB explains a behaviour as a consequence of attitude towards the behaviour, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. These three direct factors of TPB are, in turn, influenced by salient beliefs or indirect factors: behavioural, normative, and control beliefs, respectively. In this study, the TPB was modified by (1) decomposing each of the three types of beliefs into two dimensions respectively, and (2) incorporating external variables – age, sex, subject taught, teaching experience, teaching period, qualification, level of class, classroom access, and computer laboratory access. Using these predictor variables, an Information and Communication Technology Use Model (ICTUM) was developed for assessment and comparison in performance with the TPB. Using a survey questionnaire, data were collected from a total of 1,040 secondary school teachers in eighteen government schools in Negara Brunei Darussalam. Structural equation modeling, using AMOS 5.0 software, was employed as the major statistical analytic technique for a series of data analyses: measurement model assessment for validity and reliability tests; and assessments of the models, ICTUM and TPB. The proposed model, ICTUM, was found to fit only marginally and the modification efforts through beliefs decomposition and external variables incorporation provided only a small increase in the amounts of variance explained by the predictor variables. However, the TPB model of direct factors was found to be a good-fitting model showing attitude towards behaviour, and perceived behavioural control; as predictors of intention; and intention as a stronger predictor of use of ICT than perceived behavioural control. By demonstrating the significance of those factors as predictors of intention and use of ICT, this study suggests that augmenting teachers' positive attitudes towards the use of ICT and supporting them technically and personally could encourage teachers to increase the use of ICT in their teaching. This study also suggested a need for future research on the direct influence of salient beliefs on intention, and behaviour (use of ICT) respectively. Although the TPB model is theoretically and statistically justifiable, further testing with different samples is required. Through its use of a theoretical and statistical modeling approach, the current study represents an initial step towards uncovering fundamental mechanisms that explain teacher use of ICT in teaching.

Η ενσωμάτωση των ΤΠΕ στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία είναι μια ιδιαίτερα δύσκολη και περίπλοκη διαδικασία. Η προβληματική που αναπτύσσεται στη χώρα μας για την προετοιμασία των εκπαιδευτικών ώστε να χρησιμοποιήσουν αποτελεσματικά τις ΤΠΕ στη διδακτική πράξη ξεκίνησε παρόλα τα προβλήματα με καλούς οιωνούς. Στη συγκεκριμένη μελέτη γίνεται καταγραφή και διερεύνηση των απόψεων εκπαιδευτικών ,που συμμετείχαν στο πρόγραμμα επιμόρφωσης Β΄ Επιπέδου ,αφενός μεν προς την χρήση της Τεχνολογίας Πληροφορίας και Επικοινωνίας (Τ.Π.Ε) στη διδακτική και μαθησιακή διαδικασία και αφετέρου ως προς το πρόγραμμα επιμόρφωσης. Πιο συγκεκριμένα καταγράφονται οι απόψεις των εκπαιδευτικών που συμμετείχαν στην επιμόρφωση γύρω από τι θεωρούν ότι αποκόμισαν από αυτήν, εάν και κατά πόσο άλλαξε η θεώρησή τους απέναντι στη χρήση των νέων τεχνολογιών στην εκπαίδευση, πώς θα αξιοποιήσουν τις γνώσεις που έλαβαν από την επιμόρφωση στη διδασκαλία το μαθήματός τους. Τέλος καταγράφονται οι απόψεις τους για τον τρόπο διεξαγωγής της συγκεκριμένης επιμόρφωσης. / This particular study both investigates and records the opinions expressed by the teachers who participated in the in-service training course (Level B). Firstly we recorded how they feel towards the use of Information and Communication Technology (I.C.T) in the instructive and training process and secondly the evaluation of the course itself. Specifically we investigated how the participants viewed the course and whether it led them to consider the adoption of new technologies in the educational process. Also we investigated how they would implement the acquired knowledge in their teaching environments. Finally, we recorded how they assessed this particular training course.

Μέσα στο πλαίσιο μιας παγκόσμιας κοινωνίας η οποία μεταβάλλεται με υπερβολικά γρήγορους ρυθμούς και χαρακτηρίζεται από έντονα στοιχεία πολυπλοκότητας, οι Τεχνολογίες Πληροφορίας και Επικοινωνιών επηρεάζουν καθοριστικά κάθε πτυχή της οικονομικής, επαγγελματικής, κοινωνικής και ατομικής ζωής. Όσον αφορά στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία μέσα στην Ελληνική πραγματικότητα, ο τρόπος με τον οποίο οι μαθητές «μαθαίνουν», δεν έχει αλλάξει ουσιαστικά τα τελευταία 40 χρόνια. Οι ΤΠΕ μπορούν να παίξουν ένα σπουδαίο ρόλο στο «Νέο Σχολείο», το οποίο τοποθετεί το μαθητή στο επίκεντρο της εκπαιδευτικής διαδικασίας, ο οποίος μετέχει ενεργητικά στις δραστηριότητες μάθησης. Για να επιτευχθεί αυτός ο στόχος, θα πρέπει ο εκπαιδευτικός να διαθέτει τα απαραίτητα εφόδια που θα του επιτρέψουν να λειτουργήσει στη νέα πραγματικότητα και να αξιοποιήσει τα νέα δεδομένα με χρήση των ΤΠΕ. Μέσα από τα έργα «Επιμόρφωση Εκπαιδευτικών στη Χρήση και Αξιοποίηση των ΤΠΕ στην Εκπαιδευτική Διδακτική Διαδικασία» της Κατηγορίας Πράξεων 2.1.1.θ. «Επιμόρφωση εκπαιδευτικών στις Τεχνολογίες Πληροφορίας και Επικοινωνιών (ΤΠΕ)» του ΕΠΕΑΕΚ ΙΙ και «Επιμόρφωση των εκπαιδευτικών για την αξιοποίηση και εφαρμογή των ΤΠΕ στη διδακτική πράξη» του ΕΠ «Εκπαίδευση και Δια Βίου Μάθηση», ΕΣΠΑ (2007-2013), το οποίο υλοποιείται με τη συγχρηματοδότηση της ΕΕ και του ΕΚΤ έχει ξεκινήσει προσπάθεια επιμόρφωσης μεγάλου αριθμού εκπαιδευτικών των ελληνικών σχολείων της πρωτοβάθμιας και της δευτεροβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης στη διδακτική αξιοποίηση των Τεχνολογιών της Πληροφορίας και των Επικοινωνιών στην τάξη. Αυτές οι διαπιστώσεις αποτέλεσαν την αφορμή για την εκπόνηση της μελέτης που παρουσιάζεται στην παρούσα εργασία, και η οποία έχει ως σκοπό τη μελέτη του τρόπου σχεδίασης εκπαιδευτικών σεναρίων από εκπαιδευτικούς ΠΕ 60, με χρήση των ΤΠΕ. Το ζητούμενο ήταν να διαπιστώσουμε, σε ποιο βαθμό οι εκπαιδευτικοί που επιμορφώθηκαν με βάση το προαναφερόμενο έργο, κατασκεύασαν εκπαιδευτικά σενάρια σύμφωνα με τους βασικούς άξονες σχεδίασης και πως ανέδειξαν την προστιθέμενη αξία των ΤΠΕ. Συγκεκριμένα η εργασία αποτελείται από δύο μέρη: Στο πρώτο, που αφορά στη θεωρητική πλαισίωση του θέματος, γίνεται μια προσπάθεια καταγραφής της εξέλιξης της ένταξης των ΤΠΕ στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία σε Ελλάδα και εξωτερικό. Ειδικά όσον αφορά στην Ελληνική πραγματικότητα, γίνεται προσπάθεια συσχέτισης του Διαθεματικού Ενιαίου Πλαισίου Προγράμματος σπουδών με τις ΤΠΕ. Επίσης, ασχολείται με τις θεωρίες μάθησης και την εφαρμογή τους στη διδασκαλία και τη μάθηση με χρήση των ΤΠΕ. Στο δεύτερο μέρος παρουσιάζεται καταρχήν η μεθοδολογία που ακολουθείται (το αντικείμενο, το δείγμα, τα ερωτήματα και τα χρησιμοποιούμενα ερευνητικά εργαλεία) για τη διεξαγωγή της έρευνας. Στη συνέχεια το κύριο μέρος της εργασίας αφορά στην περιγραφική και πολυπαραγοντική ανάλυση των ερευνητικών δεδομένων. Τέλος η έρευνα ολοκληρώνεται με τη συζήτηση και σύγκριση των αποτελεσμάτων που πήραμε τόσο από την περιγραφική, όσο και από την πολυπαραγοντική ανάλυση, καθώς και με την επισήμανση διαφόρων ερωτημάτων ή παρατηρήσεων που προκύπτουν από την όλη διαδικασία και που πιθανότατα χρήζουν περαιτέρω διερεύνησης. / How ICT influence teachers on designing educational scripts.

As melhorias alcançadas na Educação através do uso das tecnologias de informação e comunicação são inegáveis. Entretanto, os avanços em direção a um ensino personalizado e direcionado às preferências, ao nivelamento (saneamento das dificuldades e pré-requisitos de conteúdo) e aos interesses dos estudantes são pequenos. Desta forma, através da identificação dos conhecimentos prévios dos alunos, bem como dos conteúdos (conceituais) buscou-se aprimorar o processo de ensino para que cada aluno alcance, a seu modo (de forma personalizada) o aprendizado e possa avançar na disciplina/ano em questão. Como é humanamente impossível um professor conhecer as características e dificuldades de conteúdo de todos os seus alunos, é interessante que o ambiente virtual que apoia o professor possa auxiliar para um atendimento mais personalizado, permitindo que o aluno interaja no seu próprio ritmo de estudo, acesse os conteúdos necessários ou aprofunde-se em algum conteúdo que ele já domine. Esta tese propõe um método de uso das ferramentas disponíveis de ambientes virtuais, principalmente do MOODLE, para alcançar a personalização do ensino e conduzir o aluno em sua própria trajetória individual rumo ao aprendizado significativo, sanando dificuldades de conteúdo. Seguindo o objetivo de melhorar a qualidade do ensino sem necessidade de grade investimento de desenvolvimento de ambiente nem aporte financeiro. Para validar o método foi realizado um projeto piloto mais dois experimentos, todos no Colégio Militar de Porto Alegre que totalizaram a participação de 256 alunos. Os resultados demonstraram a viabilidade do método, medido através da melhora nas notas (análise quantitativa) e da análise qualitativa dos dados e dos questionários (respondidos pelos alunos e professores). Destaca-se como vantagem educacional o desenvolvimento do método que pode ser aplicado a qualquer disciplina ou modelo de ensino e como vantagem computacional o uso do MOODLE para personalizar o ensino. / The use of information and communication technologies made undeniable advances in education. However, advances towards personalized learning and directed to the preferences, the leveling (improvement of difficulties and prerequisites) and to the interests of students are small yet. Thus, it is intended, by identifying the students' prior knowledge and content (conceptual) to improve the process so that each student reach, at their mode (personalized) the learning and make progress in discipline/year in question. We know that is humanly impossible for a teacher to know the characteristics and difficulties of content of all his students. So, the virtual environment that supports the teacher should have the flexibility to customize interactions with each student, which allows the student to interact at his/her own study pace, access the necessary content or deepen in some content that he/she has mastered. This thesis proposes a method for using the available virtual environments tools, especially the MOODLE, to achieve the personalization of teaching and to lead the student in his own individual trajectory toward meaningful learning, healing content difficulties. Following the objective of improving the quality of education without the need for large investment in environmental development or financial contribution. To validate the method was carried out a pilot project plus two experiments, all occurred at Military College of Porto Alegre, with a total of 256 students. The results showed the viability of the method, measured by the improvement in grades (quantitative analysis) and the qualitative analysis of data and questionnaires (answered by students and teachers). It is highlighted as an educational advantage, the development of the method that can be applied to any discipline or teaching model and as computational advantage, the use of MOODLE to customize teaching.

A exposição da comunidade escolar às novas tecnologias de informação e comunicação tem impacto positivo na apropriação tecnológica. Nosso objetivo é analisar o uso dos laboratórios de informática em três escolas públicas de Diamantina. Utilizamos como parâmetros os estágios evolutivos do Projeto ACOT (Apple Classroom of Tomorrow - Salas de Aula do Futuro da Apple). O referencial teórico trabalha a partir de cinco estágios evolutivos: (1) exposição; (2) adoção; (3) adaptação; (4) apropriação e; (5) inovação. Estas categorias derivam de registros de observação nos 10 anos de duração do projeto da Apple. Cada estágio expõe comportamentos e atitudes que gradativamente incorporam as novas tecnologias. A fonte dos dados está (a) nas entrevistas com professores, alunos, diretores de escola, mães e (b) nos registros de observações em campo realizadas no período de 2004 e 2005. O procedimento analítico busca as unidades significativas do discurso. Os estágios do projeto ACOT podem ser usados como parâmetros para mostrar a apropriação tecnológica nas escolas. Nas três escolas analisadas percebe-se que há uma apropriação significativa do uso das novas tecnologias em sala de aula, propiciando mudanças no ambiente escolar e mudança de postura na relação professor-aluno. Este trabalho foi produzido no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação (FACED/UFRGS), insere-se na linha de pesquisa Informática na Educação e vincula-se ao Núcleo de Educação Digital. / The exposure of school communities to new information and communication technologies has positive impact on technological appropriation. Our objective was to analyze the use of computer laboratories in three public schools in Diamantina. We have used the evolutive stages of the ACOT Project (Apple Classroom of Tomorrow) as parameters. The theoretical reference works from five evolutive stages: (1) exposure; (2) adoption; (3) adaptation; (4) appropriation and (5) innovation. These categories have derived from observations recorded during the 10-year period of the Apple Project. Each stage shows behaviors and attitudes which have gradually incorporated the new technologies. The source of data consists of (a) interviews with teachers, students, principals and mothers, and (b) field observations recorded between 2004 and 2005. The analytical procedure has searcherd for meaningful units of discourse. The stages of the ACOT Project may be used as parameters to show the technological appropriation in schools. In the three schools analyzed, there has been a significant appropriation of the use of new technologies in the classroom, thus allowing for innovation in the school environment and change of position in the teacher-student relashionship. This work has been carried out in Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação (FACED/UFRGS) as part of the research area related to the use of computers in education and is associated with the Núcleo de Educação Digital.

Asynchronous discussion board (ADB) is considered to be a key online learning component. Although ADB has become an important teaching method in higher education for blended courses, the literature shows low levels of both the quality and quantity of learner interaction in the discussion boards of Saudi blended learning courses. The purpose of the current study was to explore the effects of different blended learning discussion formats on the motivation level of learners, the quality of ADB posts, and the quantity of ADB posts in a blended information and communication technology (ICT) course. The mode of online instruction was the independent variable with two levels: ADB-alone and blended online instruction that combined live virtual classroom (LVC) and ADB (ADB+LVC). The study took the form of a quasi-experimental design and a total sample of 42 students was involved. Learner motivation levels were measured using Keller’s Course Interest Survey (CIS). The ADB quantity was defined as the number of posts by one student in one discussion forum divided by the number of participants in that forum. The ADB quality was measured using a comprehensive rubric. This study found no statistically significant differences in motivation level and quantity of ADB posts between the ADB-alone group and ADB+LVC group. This study did find a significant difference in ADB quality scores between the two groups. The study contributed to improving Saudi higher education’s online practices by exploring ways to improve interactions amongst students and their peers as well as their instructors in online or blended courses.